Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1990)

About this wine

This 1990 Riserva from Mastrojanni is made from 100 percent Sangiovese and shows developed aromas of dried cherry, plum, tobacco and underbrush with a hint of mint. On the palate it is medium to full bodied with concentrated red and black fruit that has taken on dried and tertiary notes over time. The tannins remain present and fine grained, giving the wine structure while a lively acidity keeps the finish fresh and persistent. The wine was aged roughly 36 months in Allier oak barrels before bottling, which contributes subtle spice and vanilla impressions without overwhelming the fruit. Bottled and cellared for decades, it now displays classic Brunello evolution of savory complexity, forest floor nuances, and a smooth, lingering texture.

About the grape

This wine is made from Sangiovese, locally known in Montalcino as Brunello or Sangiovese Grosso, a clone selected in the 19th century for thicker skins and greater aging potential. Mastrojanni has cultivated Sangiovese on steep, south east facing slopes between about 190 and 410 meters above sea level on marl and galestro influenced soils, keeping yields well below the DOCG limits to concentrate material for Riserva bottlings. In the cellar the estate has long favored careful cluster selection, fermentations in concrete for thermal stability, and extended aging in large oak before Riserva release, practices that reflect both the varietal traits and the historical Brunello approach.

Quick facts

• 🏆 1990 is considered one of Montalcino's legendary years, and Mastrojanni released a Riserva from that vintage that many collectors seek out.
• 🛢️ Mastrojanni reserves from 1990 were aged unusually long in Allier oak, contributing to their rich texture and age worthy structure.
• 📦 The estate maintains an archive and sets aside about 400 bottles each vintage for long term study, so a 1990 from their archive reflects intentional cellar aging.
• 🔍 Some 1990 Mastrojanni bottles surface at auctions and specialist merchants, which has made this vintage a small scale collector target rather than a mass market bottle.
• 🍷 Tasting notes from experienced critics often describe the 1990 Mastrojanni Riserva as evolved and hauntingly expressive, showing why it is still talked about decades after release.

Palate profile

Producer

Mastrojanni, established in 1975 by Gabriele Mastrojanni, is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, within the Montalcino municipality of Tuscany, Italy. Recognizing the area's potential, Mastrojanni transformed the San Pio and Loreto estates into vineyards, becoming one of the early producers of Brunello di Montalcino in this region. The estate spans approximately 110 hectares, with 41 hectares dedicated to vine cultivation, situated at altitudes ranging from 180 to 420 meters above sea level. In 2008, the Illy Group acquired Mastrojanni, continuing its legacy of producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.