Beschreibung:

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF RARE BIONDI-SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVAS FROM RARE VINTAGES INCLUDING 1946, 1955, 1961 AND 1970. The Brunello di Montalcino Riservas from the 12 hectare Greppo Estate of Biondi-Santi are legendary. The property was established by Clemente in 1840 and by the time his grandson, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi was in charge at the close of the 19th Century, the style of wine we know today was already in production. His son, Tancredi, also contributed much to the development of the wine and also created a uniform production standard for Brunello in the region. Tancredi's son, Franco, currently runs the winery with traditional methods updated with modern technology. Riservas are produced in strictly limited quantities and only from vines of more than 25 years of age. Less than 20 of the total production of the Estate is in Riserva wines, amounting to no more than 15,000 bottles in only the most highly-rated vintages The following lots, have recently been removed from the private cellar of Tedina Biondi-Santi, sister of Franco Biondi-Santi, owner of the world-famous 'Greppo' estate in Montalcino. The cellar is situated beneath the family home in Siena, which is less than 25 kilometres from the vineyards and the wines have been stored in ideal natural ambient conditions of the vaulted, stone cellar since original release from the winery following each vintage. All of the bottles have undergone the strict process of reconditioning (Ricolmatura) at the Estate, a renowned service which is controlled and overseen by Franco in the presence of other wine experts and an independent notary. Old Riservas are opened, tasted and if required, topped up with small quantities of the same wine drawn from the Estate reserves. A new cork is inserted and replacement capsule applied. Any bottles which fail this test are not topped up and a plain cork only is used to reseal the bottle. Copies of the original recorking certificates will be supplied with each lot showing the bottle number and date of recorking. A high proportion of the original labels and Riserva vintage slips are still in excellent condition (see plate) but where they are fragile or damaged, replacement 'period' labels have been supplied by the vendor from the Estate. The majority of the Ricolmatura was carried out in 1990 and all levels are base of neck or better. Each bottle also carries a signed and numbered back label showing the details of the reconditioning. For lovers of this fabled Brunello, one of the finest and rarest Italian wines available, this represents a unique and unrepeatable opportunity to acquire old Riservas of 'Estate Reserve' quality and provenance. All bottles have been inspected in situ by Christie's Wine Department staff. The following tasting notes are reproduced from "Decanter" magazine, March 1995 and from the Estate Lying in Gloucestershire at Christie's designated warehouse, (Octavian) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva--Vintage 1946 Tuscany. Biondi Santi Tasting note: tawny colour with mature rim. Lush, tarry, with earthy aromas. Good balance of acidity and tannin. Excellent structure 6 bottles per lot