The Most Fantastic Wines of 2001 Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Di Montalcino, Rennina 1995 The Setting. My top red of 2001 was drunk with dinner at Il Grappola Blu in Montalcino - the atmosphere can make such a difference when it comes to wine appreciation. The great man himself; Angelo Gaja bought this property in 1994 and it's amazing how many wine merchants sell the earlier wines with his name attached - but he must have seen something mustn't he?! The Rennina is apparently a blend of 3 vineyards all close to the 12th century church the 'Pieve Santa Restituta'. The church is hard to find, but a beautiful place once located. Gaja/PSR make another Brunello here, the single vineyard 'Sugarille'. It's more concentrated, tannic and expensive but less 'drinkable' than the Rennina in the couple of vintages I've tried. There's also an 'IGT' wine which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, called 'Promis'. The Wine Very different to any of the other Brunello's tasted on the trip. Deep ruby colour, with a sumptuous creamy, fruity nose. Thick and silky in the mouth with cherry compote fruit. Well disguised tannic structure and good acidity. I only wish the wine stayed around as long as the creamy (Alliers?) aftertaste. Brilliant, it's Brunello, but is it Brunello di Montalcino? You won't taste anything like this from another producer. I paid an arm and a leg for the last bottle I could find (with a decent temp in the cellar) in Montalcino. Found some half bottles in UK since for cheaper (Armit). Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch 1999 Here's a wine that's an absolute bargain - for this page at any rate, approximately €16. It's South African, the vineyards are at 300 metres on the side of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. The vines are only around 10 years old, so this should be a wine to watch over the next few years. It's 64% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc - you should buy some! Deep garnet with purple edges. The nose jumps from the glass with intense red cherries, raspberry and blackcurrant – unusual considering blend is merlot dominated. The palate shares that same intense, ripe and succulent fruit, good acidity and medium, though mouth coating tannins. Wow – what a find, I like this one a lot. It should keep, but why bother when it is so rewarding today. Marcel Deiss Riesling Vendanges Tardives Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru 1994 This is a wine so decadent - it's dangerous. It's beautiful gold colour seems to have captured all the summer sun. The nose has hints of botrytis but is dominated by citrus zest, honey and perhaps a little ginger. The palate is so thick, you wallow in the concentrated fruits. It's certainly not a dry style, but the acidity is just perfect and mouthwatering - makes the finish last and last. Not a cheap wine (~€60) and the Domaine has long since sold out, but there are 3 in the cellar for a 'rainy day'. But for that dinner in Montalcino, I might have chosen this as my wine of of the year ! © nanson.ch 2000-2003