1997 Il Greppone Mazzi (Ruffino) Brunello di Montalcino

1997 Il Greppone Mazzi, Ruffino Brunello di Montalcino

Producer Background
Il Greppone Mazzi is one of the historic estates of Ruffino, situated in Montalcino in Tuscany. Ruffino has long been associated with traditional Brunello production, combining old‑vine Sangiovese (locally known as Brunello) with careful vineyard work and aging methods that allow the wine to both powerfully express its origin and age gracefully.

Grape & Terroir
Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, this wine comes from the Greppone Mazzi estate vineyards, which are located on steep slopes in Montalcino with soils rich in clay, shale, “galestro,” and alberese (limestone). These soils—along with the varying elevations—give the wine strong backbone, minerality, and long aging potential.

Vintage & Style
The 1997 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino was generally warm with well‑timed harvests, producing wines with ripe fruit, structure, and notable longevity. Greppone Mazzi is robustly built, traditionally vinified and matured in large oak barrels (botti) and possibly supplemented by time in smaller oak for extra nuance. At over two decades old, this Brunello should be concentrating its secondary and tertiary characteristics, showing both maturity and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with rim showing signs of maturation (perhaps some brick hues or earthy tones around the edges).

• Aroma: Aromas will likely include dried cherries, plum, and hints of kirsch or dark berry reduction. Over time these evolve into leather, saddle tack, tobacco, earth, underbrush, and maybe forest floor. Subtle spice, possibly dried herb, cedar or oak remnants.

• Palate: Rich and full‑bodied, with still noticeable tannins (though softened), balanced acidity that has helped preserve freshness. Fruit tends toward the darker end—black cherry, plum—as well as dried fruit and possibly preserved fruit notes. Mineral element and subtle earth‑driven tones add complexity. The finish is long, showing persistence and complexity, with a somewhat chewy texture but comfortable maturity.

Critic Scores / Market Notes
This wine has earned high praise: among its reviews, it has been rated around 92 points by Wine Spectator, and also strong marks from Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Cellar. It is considered a serious expression of Brunello from a vintage that has held up well. Sources indicate it remains of interest to collectors and drinkers who enjoy aged Brunello. 

Serving & Drinking Window
At this stage, it’s mature, so drinking now is appropriate—assuming it’s been well stored. Serving temperature should be around 16‑18°C (midroom temperature) so the bouquet and flavors can fully emerge. Decanting is advisable to open up secondary aromas and soften any remaining firm tannins. While it may still develop tertiary nuance with very careful cellaring, its peak is likely present or perhaps slightly past, so savor what it has now.