Please advise me about my Brunello...?

Question

I have a bottle of Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1988. I love Brunello, but generally speaking I don't know that much about wine, and I've never tried aging one before. I was thinking of breaking it out some time around Christmas to share with my husband and my dad. So my questions are:

--Is this the right time to do it?

--I don't possess a decanter. Is one necessary? Can I improvise? And how is it done anyway?

--Is it likely to be any good? Did I leave it too long???

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer 1

The Holidays are a perfect time to break out great old bottles with family...why not?

This wine should DEFINITELY be decanted as it has produced a lot of sediment which must be separated from the wine. Listen carefully:
1) Stand the bottle upright for the whole day before drinking to allow the sediment to collect at he bottom of the bottle.
2) Without jiggling or tipping the bottle, remove the lead capsule and cork.
3) Stand a flashlight on it's end with the beam of light facing up.
4) In one long, slow, smooth motion gently pour the wine into a decanter (empty wine bottle, milk bottle or any other clean container) through a funnel while looking at the progress through the bottle with the light shining through the shoulder of the bottle.
5) When you see the cloud of sediment approach the neck of the bottle, stop pouring. You will lose an inch or so of wine but what you have will be nice and pure.

The 1988 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino was very good. At 18 years past the vintage this wine can be drunk now or held probably up to about 5 more years.
As long as the wine was stored properly, it should be wonderful!

Answer 2

It should be just right. You don't need a decanter; decanting has more effect on younger wines. Just let this one "breathe" in the glass a few minutes. It should be very good, I don't think it's too old. If you can find a book on Italian wines, there may be a drinking recommendation for that year's Brunello, but I really think your wine will be excellent.

Answer 3

What a gorgeous Sangiovese you have selected! This wine in my opinion is a bit enigmatic, as you will find, it has layers of fruit. It has beautiful, in your face tannins and is rather complex, but finishes beautifully without being overpowering.