Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2004

97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a huge, dense wine that explodes from the glass with tar, smoke, earthiness black cherries and minerals. The wine possesses dazzling concentration and tons of richness, as waves of fruit coat the palate in stunning style. This big, dramatic Brunello needs time in bottle, but it is nothing short of magnificent today. The balance, and the integration of the French oak in particular, is brilliant. For those who are curious to try a bottle now, the wine should be opened a few hours in advance as the tannins are imposing at this stage. This is a rare Brunello of superb pedigree and complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. (Jun 2009)"

97 points Monty Waldin (Decanter): "After Giancarlo Pacenti took over from father Siro in 1988, he moved from big oak vats to smaller casks for ageing, 'not for oak flavours but for its smoothing effect on wines'. His wines are always lively, and his 2004 Brunello has plenty of life ahead, its Sangiovese fruit softest and most expressive if decanted. A modernist meditation wine. Drinking Window: 2021-2035. (10/28/20)"

96 points James Suckling: "Licorice, earth and spice aromas with black mushrooms. Floral and multidimensional. Medium to full body. Juicy tannins. Complex and savory. Changes all the time. Drink or hold. (6/16/22)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Perfumed with rose and ripe cherry. Full-bodied, with bright acidity and clean, mineral, floral and berry character on the palate. Tight and firm, but shows wonderful promise. This is chewy and develops in the glass. (4/30/09)"

94 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Dusty and understated in the glass, the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino entices with a delicate blend of spiced citrus rinds, blackberries and hints of mint. It impresses most with its purely silken and enveloping textures, featuring mineral-tinged red and black fruits that take on a nervous citrusy energy toward the close. The finish reveals a bit of maturity with a suggestion of brown spice yet remains fresh as a bump of residual acidity cleanses the senses. If you have any questions about the ageability of Siro Pacenti's wines, take note. Drink: 2024-2030. (Jan 2025)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine sparked wide debate at the Brunello en primeur tasting because of its new, more streamlined style. Siro Pacenti's 2004 Brunello is not the concentrated blackberry and chocolate fudge bomb of the past. It's still a meaty, layered wine laced with pretty layers of spice, mineral and ash. But instead of black concentration, it now exhibits ruby luminosity and a fresh, monthol finish. We are impressed. (Jun 2009)"

17/20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Very bright color and fresh, lively fruit on the nose, with good acid/fruit balance on palate. Fine-tuned and long, it should age well. 2010-25. (Issue #27; 2010)"

Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano Buying Guide): "Giancarlo Pacenti's small production is best described as opulent: you get the rich extract, the rich new oak, all the bells and whistles... and it works. Irresitable Brunello that's worth the price..."