Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Biondi Santi 1971

A shade deeper ruby than the 1975 with a bright, bricky rim. Brooding sweetness on the nose with hints of gingerbread. Layers of complex, waxy fruit and lots of depth here. Was this a warmer vintage than the 1975? The nose is quite full on, but the palate is completely different: clean, linear acidity dominates the attack followed by a fine, tannic grip on the back palate. Very brisk and subdued finish. This is still all about texture. Full of life and far from declining.