Brunello

For some years now, Le Macioche has been owned by one of Italy's largest wine families. The Cotarella clan acquired this boutique winery a few years ago, and since then the wines have experienced a real leap in quality. This is the second vintage under the full control of the family and it is a beautiful Brunello with controlled ripeness and highly precise tannins, texture and preserved freshness. It literally radiates from the glass with bright berry intensity and a smoky blend of black raspberry and plum. The palate is energetic and fresh, with hints of violets and lavender. It impressively proves that the winery is now in the best hands. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Le Macioche 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Cotarella offers tart fruit and bright cherry aromas. There is some oak spice, but more prominent are the varietal aromas of crushed stone, pencil shaving, dried rose and grilled herb. The mouthfeel shows medium length with bright acidity. Give it a few more years to soften and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Nice, earthy savoriness with dried strawberry, orange and licorice, showing some depth and complexity. Firm, but polished, with a ripe and juicy berry fruit profile and a long, savory finish." James Suckling

"This is slippery, with cherry, raspberry, peony and stony mineral flavors embedding the glycerol texture. Revealing earth and underbrush details, this feels poised to integrate and emerge from its shell in 2 to 3 years. Features fine balance, even if the finish is compact now." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a rich blend of crushed red and black fruits complemented by hints of brown spice and mocha. It washes across the palate, energetic yet potent, drenching all that it touches with masses of mineral-intense notes of cherry and plum. A fine web of tannins embrace the senses through the finish, leaving hints of licorice and violet florals to resonate on. Le Macioche comes across as one of the most well-tailored and structured wines of the vintage. It’s a classic in the making. Nicely done." Vinous

"The brooding nose is all spices and medicinal herbs, old leather and cigar box, though dried cherries, figs and dark chocolate lurk underneath and reveal themselves more clearly on the palate, next to palate-stripping tannins that guarantee age." Wine Enthusiast

Piancornello's 2015 Riserva offers the classic Brunello bouquet, combining earthy elements of leather and potting soil with dark plum fruit. These equally sweet and savoury sides are skilfully interwoven, and the rich, concentrated fruit of the vintage helps to smooth out the full-bodied flavours. An action that is crowned with success, because as a result the Riserva presents itself with an impressive, enhanced overall intensity. The great interplay aptly reflects the beauty of Brunello. It is a magnificent wine with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4 ha vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the east side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard. Amore e Magia inspires first of all by the beauty in the glass: a deep ruby with violet, fuchsia accents. On the nose, a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that immediately captivates. We detect candied fruits, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine saltiness and the wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up energetically and flanks every sip until the dramatic, extremely multilayered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still marked by clear toasty notes with ripe plums and dark cherries, spicy cedar and liquorice notes in the background. On the palate with polished richness, stylish and wonderfully melting, seems a bit modern in style but nicely balanced and lively, the tannin is quite polished and still a bit rough-gripped, still needs to complete itself." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet with a rich core. Very fragrant and inviting nose, of ripe, fleshy plums, some pickled cherries, plus liquorice in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, opens with beautiful forest fruit, grippy, dense tannin, fine melting in between, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The bouquet on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is seriously impressive. A beguiling mix of dusty violets, exotic spices, cedar, clove and black cherries wafts up and holds my attention firm. The textures are soothingly plush yet lifted, featuring a sweet and sour display of tart wild berries contrasted by minerals, minty herbs and hints of candied citrus. The tannins arrive late, as this finishes structured and classically dry with nuances of blood orange and wild strawberries. The 2017 Amore e Magia has taken the warmth of the vintage in stride to deliver a Brunello packed full of balanced pleasures." Vinous

"The Podere le Ripi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is emerging as this estate's top-shelf wine, even though it started its life as a Rosso di Montalcino some years ago. It sports a pretty dark ruby color with a nicely concentrated appearance. The bouquet is extremely elegant and finely tuned with sweet cherry, wild rose, lavender bud, candied orange and iron ore. The effect is graceful and delicate, with tart background notes of currant and forest fruit. The tannins are tight and still nervous, and I suggest giving this wine more time in bottle." Wine Advocate

The Brunello from Le Chiuse is made from almost 30-year-old vines from an eight-hectare plot of calcareous clay. As soon as you pour the wine, you notice that it is bursting with energy and temperament. This is also noticeable in the crisp fruit, reminiscent of wild berries, cassis and sour cherries. These red fruit flavours are framed by light smoke, tar, potting soil, blue flowers and crushed minerals or limestone. This is an extremely balanced wine that will increase in elegance and finesse with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, elegant herbal spice, sage, sandalwood, fine minty style, blueberry, some musk, extremely delicate nose; powerful, fine, noble cocoa note, dense but not fat, clayey texture, very present but not heavy." Meinigers Sommelier

"Mid ruby. Brooding, sweet, perfumed fruit with a savoury hint. Ripe and concentrated with lots of juicy, supple fruit while the grainy tannins give it a complex edge." Jancis Robinson

"Project in strict organic management, spontaneous fermentations, for a wine with a unique character, as well as beautiful cleanliness. Refined nose, touches of red plum, laurel and floral, gardenia, with hints of juniper. The mouthfeel is taut and juicy, the tannins sapid, the finish balsamic." Luca Gardini

"This shows some balance and polish for a 2017, with plenty of integrated and nicely chewy tannins. The ripe-cherry, bark and light dry-earth character comes through clearly. Give it time to soften, but already attractive." James Suckling

"Offers key themes of black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors, with mineral, tobacco and bitter almond accents. Solidly built, with dense tannins expanding on the finish. Overall, there is a sense of elegance here, with a silkiness and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Wild herbs, crushed pomegranates, dusty rose and savory spice define the wildly exotic 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. Its textures are silky and pliant, but with a vibrant streak of acidity and mineral tones that add a more grippy yet jovial feel, as potent red fruits and lavender tones slowly saturate toward the close. Fine tannins come forward through the medium-length finale, as this tapers off to hints of sour citrus, rose and clove." Vinous

"Lorenzo Magnelli opted to pick early to avoid opulence in 2017. Along with gentler punch-downs and fewer pump-overs, he aged the wine for less time in wood – 30 months rather than 36 – as he felt it didn’t need too much oxygen. Vibrancy of expression is palpable in the tangle of spices, woodland berries, earthy mushroom and forest growth. The palate is sturdy but not aggressive as well-composed tannins sweep across the palate." Decanter

"The Le Chiuse 2017 Brunello di Montalcino (made with certified organic fruit) exhibits a silky and elegant profile that only a handful of estates in the appellation achieve with consistency. This is the desired direction of Brunello as a whole I believe, and it's nice to see these successful results in a difficult, hot vintage such as 2017. The wine is silky and glossy on the palate with wildflowers, berry and forest floor." Wine Advocate

"One of the best wines of the vintage, this stunner opens with compelling aromas of new leather, forest floor, perfumed berry and menthol. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry, ripe Marasca cherry, baking spice and licorice set against firm, refined tannins. It boasts remarkable freshness and balance for the hot vintage." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4-hectare vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the eastern side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard.

Amore e Magia first impresses with its beauty in the glass: deep ruby with violet, fuchsia-coloured accents. The nose then reveals a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that immediately casts a spell. We discover candied fruit, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine salinity and wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up with energy and flanks every sip right through to the multi-layered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby colour with garnet shimmer. Very clear, present fruit, dark plums and raspberries, with a hint of rose petals. Round and supple on the palate, showing plenty of ripe raspberry fruit, opens up with fine tannins in many layers, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A shade darker than the Cielo d'Ulisse and more mineral, with salty notes and a slight hint of oak. Brooding concentration with plenty of ripe fruit on the palate and rich tannins. A brooding giant that is not yet ready to be awakened." Jancis Robinson

"The Podere le Ripi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia offers a blend of fresh fruit and spicy notes. Both sides of the wine help to build up its vertical intensity and brightness." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia possesses a rich and savoury blend of cloves, allspice and fresh mint before releasing its core of wild strawberry fruit. This is a round and silky style with polished red berries, sweet spices and mineral tones that slowly gain tension towards the finish. Nothing is out of place here as the 2018 finishes with soft tannins, mixing sour cherry with lavender tones and leaving the mouth wanting more. It will only take a short stay in the cellar for this remarkably beautiful version of Amore e Magia to show its best side." Vinous

"The nose is a complex and inviting blend of strawberry candy, wild cherries, rose petals, flint and warm tar before the palate turns rich chocolate-cherry, juicy and full with a warming heat on the finish, but austere tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Altero - the flagship of the winery - is a beautiful, smooth wine with dark red cherries, cherry brandy, menthol, pine wood and spices. The silky finish is enveloped by sweet, floral notes. The top vintage 2015 is characterized by its fine texture and an impeccable overall balance with a high density. For us, it is one of the most rounded, precise and rich Brunello of this vintage, with an ageing potential that will satisfy every expectation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging nose of raspberries and violets; the acidity accentuates, lots of juice and fullness, in short: a large, elegant Sangiovese with cut, fruitiness and length. Can mature." Vinum

"Bright, rich ruby grenade. Intense and clear nose, of violets and dark cherries, with cranberries in the background. Lots of crisp cherry on the palate, polished, well-integrated tannin, smooth and long." Falstaff

"One of the first things I notice in the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is the increased richness or concentration (especially compared to the estate's classic Brunello from the same vintage). That wine is slightly more streamlined and contoured compared to the Altero that wears a heavier mantle made with thicker fiber and texture. This impression is especially evident on the bouquet where you pick up a hint of extra softness or ripeness that comes thanks to this warm vintage. The bouquet offers sensations of dried cherry skin or plum with sweet spice and moist potting soil." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful cascade of blue and darker fruit precedes generous, enticing notes of saffron, dried orange rind, cumin, roasted thyme and nutmeg. Balanced and tightly framed on the medium-to full-bodied palate with mouthwatering fruit and crunchy acidity, coloring an ornately woven structure of silky tannins. Very long and velvety on the finish. Everything is where it should be." James Suckling

Pacenti's flagship Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2017 is a blend of equal parts fruit from the north and south of Montalcino with great texture and resonance. The aromas are dark and textured through and through. Dark red fruits and stone fruits, new leather and cedar gradually open up in the glass, but it needs time to fully develop, partly because the Vecchie Vigne has slightly more new oak than the Pelagrilli. A powerful, spicy representative of the appellation that will only reach its true top form with a few years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and concentrated bouquet with lots of wild berries, tobacco and balsamic-herbal notes, spices, juniper. In the mouth it scores with polished fullness and rich, present fruit expression, but without renouncing depth and pressure, which also shows in the beautiful length." Weinwisser

"Inviting black cherry aroma, with charismatic facets of spice, maquis and florals; complex texture with well-integrated, fine-grained tannins, subtle salty minerality, juice and richness through to the ell-long final. Excellent food companion." Vinum

"Rich, powerful ruby garnet. Compact nose with lots of wild berries, raspberry and blackberry, plus rich notes of tobacco, cloves in the background. Lots of polished, fine-meshed tannin, present fruit, shows nice pressure on the back end, long finish." Falstaff

"Maturing mid ruby with narrow orange rim. A tad closed on the nose with only the suggestion of gingerbread and with minerally, stony hints. Pure concentrated, cherry fruit with an exotic spice edge. Long and supple and with lots of acidity adding energy to the concentrated fruit. Great length, too and can already be approached. A hedonistic wine." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe fruit with lavender and sandalwood as well as some new wood on the nose. Medium to full body, with firm and structured tannins that are polished and curated. Needs time to soften and come together. Bigger style for Pacenti due to the hot vintage. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"The Siro Pacenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows an extra degree of concentration and thickness thanks both to the vintage (this hot and dry growing season produced darker, more intense berries) and the older vines that also work toward greater fruit weight. The Vecchie Vigne shows lots of depth and textural weaving with dark berries and oak spice. It offers long-lasting notes of smoke, sweet cedar and woodshop." Wine Advocate

"One of the most rightly celebrated bottles of the appellation, also in this well-balanced and decidedly worthwhile vintage. Notes of black currant and nuances of eucalyptus, then nutmeg and floral touches of carnation. Mouth with sapid tannins, fruity return and nice persistence." Luca Gardini

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gualto is a dark, saturated and compact wine that shows a very unique interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Camigliano has one of the best microclimates for a dark, velvety and opulent Brunello, which does very well in a highly balanced vintage like 2015. The plump fruit contrasts nicely with the firm tannins and acidity in the mouthfeel. All in all, this is a balanced wine with softness and extra richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright elegant ruby red. In the nose of ripe raspberries and wild strawberries, also shows nuances of pomegranate, light spice in the aftertaste. Opens smoothly on the palate with a fruity-sweet core, juicy, runs clear and round into the long final." Falstaff

"Offering ripeness and texture, the Camigliano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gualto is a fun and accessible wine. The bouquet is very expressive, even at this young stage. I got a charge out of those shifting aromas of dark fruit, ripe cherry, rosemary essence and a touch of eucalyptus oil that lift from the bouquet. Those balsam herb aromas are well defined, and they always appear with the prettiest intensity in the warmer vintages like 2015. Riserva Gualto shows good structure and enough acidity to keep those fruit flavors fresh and bright. Only 4,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"Sleek and linear in profile, this red offers intense strawberry, raspberry, rose and wild herb flavors, with flourishes of mineral and tobacco. Solidly built, this leaves a long, resonant aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice notes. Distinctive for its bright red fruit flavors." Wine Spectator

Pacentis Brunello Vecchie Vigne radiates with attractive aromas of black berries, dark cherries and coffee. Delicious and very elegant taste with silky tannins and considerable length. Siro Pacenti is one of the most historic houses in the region and Vecchie Vigne enchants the senses with this very solid expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Showing more oak definition, texture and overall fruity richness, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne benefits from the concentration and complexity you get with old vines. The wine wraps thickly over the palate, imparting luscious aromas of dried cherry, exotic spice, pressed rose and scorched earth along the way. This is a wine for the cellar. The bouquet has a lot to give, but this will require some extra time. All the elements are there for an excellent aging future." Wine Advocate

"The nose is decadent but not overdone with plum liqueur, Christmas cake, cedar, Chinese spices, licorice, tea leaves, tar and hot stones. Full and very dense with mouth-coating tannins but also attractive fresh fruit, pretty acidity and a long finish. Rather chewy and needs time, but a beautiful follow-up to the 2012." James Suckling

"Forest floor, toasted oak, dark spice, new leather and tobacco aromas fill the glass along with a whiff of eucalyptus. The firmly structured concentrated palate shows power and finesse, offering dried black cherry, star anise, coffee bean and grilled sage alongside fresh acidity and close-grained tannins. It's still youthfully austere and will benefit with several more years spent in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and bursting with cherry, currant and berry flavors, this also has a tannic edge, along with tobacco and leafy underbrush notes. The two camps need to reach some sort of détente before this really sings." Wine Spectator

"From two different sites, one in the north of the region and one in the south, this sensually enticing wine has a fleshiness and a textural wealth which makes a welcome change after the near-angular refinement of some of its peers. The sweet fruits have a soft, almost milky or creamy aromatic sheen, like glove leather. On the palate, those fruits are more structured and firm: plum and pomegranate, with palpable cut and shapeliness, fresh and springy tannins and ample, poised dryness." Decanter

Deep dark ruby with bright garnet reflections. Impressive, deep bouquet of dried fruits, cloves, nutmeg and roasted almonds to cola, liquorice and pressed rose petals. In the drink, it unfolds its spectacular diversity and opulence paired with a fine fruit sweetness. Le Lucere 2016 has an exceptional race and personality and has catapulted itself fully into the top group of the appellation with this exceptional vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Surrounded by forest, Le Lucére is an east-facing amphitheatre on predominantly silty soil. While it shares some of the woodland character of the estate Brunello, there's a distinct floral personality to this: rose and violet are accentuated by a touch of volatile acidity. Ample, concentrated and rich, red cherry flavours are laced with smoky toasted oak, shored up by lots of grainy tannins." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere takes things to a darker and more earthy place. Flowery undergrowth, wet stone and tobacco lift from the glass, taking on fresher notes of raspberry and sage over time. There's a gorgeous interplay of velvety textures, salty minerals and lifting acidity in the mouth, as well as fine tannins which blend to create a classically balanced impression. Red fruits linger along with hints of licorice and minty herbs, while the structure of the 2016 Le Lucere takes a back seat through the finale. This is a very well constructed effort that should excel over the medium term." Vinous

"This special selection of fruit from San Filippo is characterized by more intensity and concentration compared to the estate's classic Brunello. In this vintage, I also discovered a greater level of Sangiovese purity and direction, thanks to tight berry tones, dusty mineral, spice and balsam herb. To the palate, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino le Lucére delivers succulent fruit and even a touch of sweetness, all powered by tannins, clearly driven by both the oak and the fruit itself." Wine Advocate

"This is rich and very linear at the same time, with cherry, tile, walnut and light chocolate aromas. Some mahogany. Very complex. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved with a very, very long finish. Really gorgeous." James Suckling

"This red is laden with balsamic aromas and flavors of juniper, rosemary and rose, plus black currant and raspberry fruit. There's an underlying mineral element, along with firm, mature tannins that enhance the overall elegance and finesse." Wine Spectator

Pacentis Vecchie Vigne is still one of the most modern wines of the sun-drenched appellation in southern Tuscany. Its fruit comes from old vines that are between 35 and 50 years old. You can taste the richness and smoothness of its dark fruit and the lush blackberry. However, the wine also offers hints of exotic spices, spicy tobacco and even a hint of talcum powder or buttered popcorn that comes from the oak (it is aged for 24 months in French barriques). An unmistakably creamy and rich mouthfeel in the drink through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red. Exotic, lifted raspberry and cassis nose and a hint of passion fruit and oak that is almost completely absorbed by the fruit. The description of the nose may sound completely bizarre, but it is extremely attractive. Juicy and ripe on the palate, but with real fruit emphasis. Tons of dry but not harsh tannins and fantastic depth and balance. It's very compelling, but needs more bottle age for the tannins to settle and integrate. I bet it will be more than worth the wait." Jancis Robinson

"As so often rather extroverted, almost massive and concentrated with notes of ripe wild strawberries, dried flowers, undergrowth and sweet spices. Powerful and with great intensity on the palate, the tannins robust and memorable, but also finessed with balsamic and mineral-earthy notes, long spicy final." Weinwisser

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2018 comes, as the name suggests, from old vines and is spicy and very tasty. The bouquet contains many exotic elements that you will not find in any of its colleagues. These include caraway, clove and cardamom. These spicy notes frame a core of black fruits. This is a medium to full-bodied Brunello with great inner strength, underlined by the high alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne opens with hauntingdark flowers and balsamic tones, while swirling brings out hints of blackcurrant and crushed stone. The wine has a very soft texture supported by cool minerality and bright acidity that accompanies the crisp wild berries on the palate. It finishes with amazing length and power, flooding the senses with primary concentration while a framework of fine tannins gently tugs at the cheeks. The 2018 Vecchie Vigne is a radiant Brunello that needs ageing to fully develop. That said, I can't recall ever tasting a VV from Siro Pacenti with this much energy." Vinous

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Clear and memorable nose, of blackberries, fresh plums, followed by cloves and undergrowth. Shows lots of ripe, juicy fruit on the palate, opens with clear, fine-meshed tannin, embedded in sweet melting, rich pressure on the final." Falstaff

"North-eastern territory, from a company that has made history. A concrete project of sustainability, as substantial as this Brunello, which comes from the youngest vineyards. On the nose, Marasca cherries, nuances of eucalyptus and white pepper. The drinkability is dense, crisp, balsamic with a fruity-spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"It is concentrated, firm and well structured, with a classic nose of blackberries, cherry pits, white truffle, tea leaves and cloves. Also earth and bark. Medium to full body with a firm tannic framework. Racy and linear. Mineral. Taste in 2026." James Suckling