1971 Tenuta Greppo Biondi-Santi Riserva

For the nerdiest of wine nerds: the 1971 Biondi Santi Riserva is made from proprietary Sangiovese clones that actually bear the family name: BBS11, Brunello Biondi Santi 11. In Italy, it doesn't get much better than a clone named after the property itself. Biondi Santi are the "Founders of Brunello di Montalcino," and this bottle is a revered crown jewel of Brunello, an emblem of Italian viticulture that has set the benchmark for Sangiovese excellence for over a century.

Founded in the late 19th century by Clemente Santi, and later propelled to legendary status by his grandson, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, this estate has pioneered the production of Brunello, producing wines renowned for their remarkable longevity and elegance. Biondi Santi's vineyards span the idyllic hills of Montalcino, where meticulous attention to traditional winemaking methods and a profound respect for the terroir result in wines of unparalleled complexity and finesse.

Their older vintages, particularly from the Riserva line, are among the most prized and collectible wines globally, revered for their ethereal bouquet, vibrant acidity, and extraordinary aging potential that can extend well beyond half a century. A bottle of old vintage Biondi Santi is not merely a wine; it's a liquid chronicle of history and tradition, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Italy's most iconic and storied wineries. The bottling was topped up and new corks added both in 1987 and 2001.