Wines from Tuscany | Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2015 is a huge, outstanding wine. Waves of vibrant, intensely fragrant fruit appear on the palate, supported by the firm, broad tannins of the plump, very rich vintage. Violets, spices, new leather and liquorice unfold in the glass, clean mineral notes frame an eruption of dark cherries, plums and camphor in a finish that fills the palate endlessly. Madonna 2015 is well on its way to becoming one of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's very great wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 Madonna del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end." Wine Spectator

"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever." James Suckling

A wine that is only vinified in the very best years and then presents a breathtaking beauty with each edition. In depth, purity and structure, it is the archetype of a Brunello. It beguiles with a mix of sage, rosemary, tobacco, wild flowers and cloves through to a nuanced and endless finish. It is punchy and seductive at the same time and has great personality. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a late-release 2015 with extremely attractive blackberry, black-cherry and floral aromas, as well as hints of spices. Full-bodied with wonderfully integrated tannins that are polished yet powerful. Long, persistent finish, showing real purity of fruit. Try after 2023, but already impressive." James Suckling

"The Le Potazzine 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is released a year after most other Riservas hit the market (most of this winery's peers are now selling the 2016 vintage). This pretty wine is open-knit and rich, showing nice textural support. It is redolent of dried cherry, blackberry, light spice, tar and smoke. This special selection of fruit shows elegant results in this hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva captivates as it slowly blossoms in the glass, but this is a wine that is truly worth waiting for. With each swirl, a bouquet of mentholated cherry, autumnal spice, shaved cedar and Tuscan dust gains amplitude and richness. The textures are undeniably elegant, communicating opulence while also stimulating the senses with salty minerals and an inner smokiness that I find wildly compelling. An intense array of red currants, licorice and savory spice fills the senses and translates directly to the finale, where regal tannins saturate, promising a remarkably long life. Only 3,000 bottles of this beauty were produced." Vinous

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling

Sugarille 2019 is certainly one of the greats of its vintage. A crescendo of dark berries, Amarena cherries, tar, liquorice and smoky notes on the nose. The intensity continues on the palate: Sugarille is uncompromisingly powerful, with multi-layered fruit, striking tannins and wonderful acid wire. With increasing aeration, the impressiveness and opulence give way to a wonderful finesse that will continue to refine and develop with further years of bottle ageing. A wine as wonderful as it is today - and guaranteed to be even better tomorrow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Much more closed and sleepy than the Rennina and with an undertone of oak. There is also a little more fullness. Restrained on the palate, with marvellous cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit. Superfine, deep tannins. Polished and long, with a hint of tannin on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"To complete Angelo Gaja's comparison with his Langhe wines, he compares Sugarille with Barolo (as opposed to Rennina, which he equates with Barbaresco). This powerful wine will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful Brunello. Sweet oak spices and plums are accompanied by earthy forest tones. It is rich and fruity, but austere and firm in structure: dark cherry and plum hang on steely, vertical grape tannins. Thicker wood tannins build at the core, but crisp acidity balances the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are embedded in the layers. This wine is firming up in the glass and still needs plenty of time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark and youthfully closed, forcing the taster to engage with its brooding blend of blackberry, sage and crushed stone. It displays textures of pure silk, polished and refined, with a dense textural wave of tart red and black fruits underscored by savoury minerals and exotic spices. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish, which is tannic and long, with a pleasant chew and angular tannins that pinch the cheeks. The 2019 is a dark Brunello stallion with plenty of muscle and flesh that will need many more years in the cellar to show its best side. But it will be worth the wait." Vinous

"An elegant version, this red exhibits cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, turning darker and more brooding as it evolves in the mouth, with both savory and mineral elements. Yet this remains very Sangiovese, with a firm, peppery aftertaste that echoes fruit, iron and underbrush accents." Wine Spectator

"Extremely perfumed and intense with lilac, violets, violet fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied and very structured with powerful tannins that give it great length and intensity. A great wine for the cellar. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille displays a finely chiselled quality with direct and lifted fruit that gives this wine an edgy or delineated personality. This impression is reinforced by delicate mineral notes of crushed stone that give way to dark fruits, sweet plums, black cherries and earthy orris roots. The wine is elegant, but also very flavoursome and structured thanks to the natural ripeness and concentration of the fruit. Give this wine more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Rose petals, mint, cinnamon, dark sweet cherries and smoke rise from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello that is built on energy, power and opulence. Length and fruit take centre stage here and, together with a clearly defined tannin structure, Leopoldo Franceschi's team has produced a wine in a very classic vintage that will really reveal itself over the next few years. As always, it is one of our favourites, and its still outstanding value is also great fun! SUPERIORE.DE

"A restrained mix of licorice and graphite, bright red cherries and toasted notes. Firm tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate with refreshing acidity. Chewy style overall." James Suckling

"Showing very nice results, with greater accessibility in this vintage, the Il Poggione 2020 Brunello di Montalcino has dark fruit aromas with blackcurrant followed by something spicy or herbal. I am reminded of licorice root, exotic spice, pressed rose and fragrant tea leaf. It finishes smoothly with silky tannins and an open-knit approach. This vintage is almost ready to drink, and you get elegant complexity at the same time." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is explosive, bright and punchy at first, evolving from cranberry to cherry with dusty sage, spiced blood orange and Tuscan dust. The is pure elegance, texturally deep and nearly velvety in feel with a core of tart wild berries that add contrast as a balsamic tinge emerges along with fine-grained tannins toward the close. It finishes long, structured and staining, leaving a flinty sensation and primary core of fruit that drenches the palate as violet inner florals and hints of lavender abound. The 2020 is seamless from start to finish and, while more approachable than a typical vintage of Il Poggione, is balanced for an extended maturation." Vinous

The 2016 edition of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's Brunello is a dense and full-bodied wine whose harmony and roundness reflect the outstanding vintage in a very convincing way. Rich bouquet of small dark red and black fruits, plum, crushed rose petals and hints of cinnamon. Taut and savoury on the palate, with great structure and a soft texture, the tannins nestle with the fruit and lead into a wonderfully polished, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a subtle bouquet that needs extra time to open. In fact, I suggest you open your bottle about four hours before serving. This Brunello takes its time, but it inches over the senses with carefully increasing intensity. Wild cherry, toasted almond and even a touch of sweet apple or orange peel distinguish the bouquet. The tannins are firm and young, but all they need is extra time to evolve. This wine is like being introduced to a stranger who takes his time to reveal his personality, but who then turns into a true friend and confidant. Patience is required." Wine Advocate

"Fleeting aromas of cherry, cedar, sanguine and leather give way to a beam of ripe cherry, berry and earth flavors in this elegant red. Firm and resonant, with a matrix of dusty tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is one of those young wines that, from the moment you put your nose to the glass, you know you’re in for a treat. A sweetly alluring and remarkably fresh bouquet of crushed cherries, strawberries and plums is further complicated by hints of clove, spiced orange peels and mint. It’s velvety-smooth and radiant with a display of dark red fruits, all tightly wound up in a web of minerals, with an air of savory herbs and inner florals that develop toward the close. Try to keep your hands off for another four or five years, and then reap the rewards for a decade or more." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of balsamic, tea, dark berry, walnut and coffee bean. Full-bodied, yet tight and very intense with ripe tannins that are fine and reserved. Racy and polished. Beautiful length to this wine. Needs at least two to three years to come. Try after 2024." James Suckling

Beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon that underlines its rich, fleshy fruit with graphite and liquorice aromas. Its broad, full and balanced flavour, polished tannins and fruity, elegant style build up to a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a brightening rim. On the nose, rich pepper, cassis, cranberry, leather and undergrowth. Hearty and impetuous on the palate, stretches very powerfully across the tongue, gripping, with rich pressure, a balsamic touch and minimal dryness on the finish." Falstaff

"A vibrant, concentrated red, offering black cherry, black currant, iron, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. Though dense, this is also fluid, with excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Olmaia has developed into a brand in its own right. The wine emphasises the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in this part of Tuscany, an area where Sangiovese is grown almost exclusively. The 2016 Sant'Antimo Cabernet Olmaia reminds us of the importance of diversity in a monoculture, which allows us to better understand the potential of a growing area. This wine has a dark colour and a dense concentration of colour. It is certainly broad and full-bodied, but it transcends the senses with nuanced grace. Black and purple fruits segue into earthy tobacco, cured leather and dark spices. These flavours are particularly finely tuned in this classic vintage." Wine Advocate

The owner and winemaker Alessandro Mori describes himself as a "naturalista". His wines ferment spontaneously with autochthonous grape varieties and age for a long time in large old oak barrels. He lets the natural temperatures of the cellar control the refinement of the wine and uses minimal sulphur throughout. In addition to all its characteristic floral scents of roses and violets, Il Marroneto's 2018 is positively spicy with a peppery, juniper note. On the palate, it is delicately woven while offering deep flavours and good length. Clean and bright, with distinct notes of rosehip and raspberry, while refined tannins sneak up with textured chalkiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting nose with hints of freshly picked cherries, blackcurrant, tobacco, cardamom as well as Mediterranean spices and flowers. In the mouth again very gripping,
very own, exciting style, completely focused on freshness and pure-toned crispness, shows itself grippy and delicate with juicy fruit and fine spice. Must mature." Weinwisser

"Bright, medium dense ruby garnet. Appealing nose with notes of cranberries, goji berries and juicy fresh cherries. Lots of crisp fruit on the attack, unfolds very smoothly, fine sweet melt, raspberry on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, concentrated ruby red. Refined but still somewhat closed on the nose with spicy and mineral hints. Lots of appeal on the palate with beautiful, juicy, vibrant and concentrated cherry and raspberry fruit and hints of fruitcake. Lots of firm tannins that are still a little astringent and overpower the fruit. Long and layered finish, but still a little embryonic." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh, red fruit character with cherries and red plums and hints of gunpowder, coffee beans, spices and dried orange peel. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and a smooth, velvety fruit core in the mid palate. Lingering mineral note on the finish. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"Il Marroneto's 2018 Brunello embodies elegance, lightness and grace without being banal or superficial. Harvested on 5 October, it has a sweet core of red berries that provides a backdrop for cinnamon stick, sarsaparilla and violet accents to unfold. The ripe tannins are fine-grained and enveloping as the wine reaches accessible depths, and the appetising acidity begs for another sip - but not before the leisurely finish unfolds with spices and raspberries. A seamless symphony that reflects Alessandro Mori's unhurried, unforced approach to winemaking. As tempting as this wine is now, a little more patience will be rewarded." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has a charisma that makes it an absolute delight. Sweet exotic spices meet dried black cherries, dusty flowers and a hint of cloves. It is a pure delight on the palate, showing both opulent fruit and total balance and sophistication, while the sour berries are given a bracing lift by the juicy acidity. The 2018 leaves no stone unturned, rejuvenating with rounded tannins and lingering on the palate for up to a minute with a bracing burst of citrus, nuances of sweet rose and liquorice. This wine is so beautiful already, but also has the balanced structure to age beautifully, something you don't find in many Brunellos of this vintage. What a treasure." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Alessandro Mori opens with a spicy bouquet with notes of caraway and white pepper that seamlessly transition into bright cherries, blueberries and cassis. The trick with this wine is balance, as neither side is stronger than the other. More importantly, this Brunello still has life and vibrant energy. Precisely because this bottle tastes so good now, I see little reason to wait any longer." Wine Advocate

"All the richness of Il Marroneto's raw materials in this impeccable version of Brunello. Blueberry jam on the nose, then notes of cinnamon, carob and marjoram. Juicy, spicy tannins on the palate and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"The nose seems like a dreamy island getaway, with passion fruit for breakfast, prickly pear cocktails by the pool, violets on the dinner table, and rosewater candy waiting on the nightstand. The palate brings candied cherries and strawberries, with continued rosiness bleeding into a citrusy, spicy finish. The acidity sparks off sophisticated tannins. This wine is poised and elegant, yet also exciting." Wine Enthusiast

Giacomo Neri's new top Brunello was born with the purchase of a very special vineyard. True to the winery's philosophy of making wines only from the best terroirs around Montalcino, a small 7-hectare parcel with over 45 years of vines was purchased a few years ago. This was preceded by a friendship of over 40 years with the previous owners, with whom Giacomo's father Giovanni Neri planted the vines and nurtured them over the past decades.

And the 2018 vintage is now the premiere for a wine that radiates all the outstanding qualities of the source material and the winemaker's craft. Man and nature unite here in perfect precision and harmony. Its balance is exquisite. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. The wine spreads evenly and powerfully across the palate, and its flavour intensity can be counted on for many long minutes. Giovanni Neri Brunello is wonderfully concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. 2018 is the birth of a new Italian icon that will take us on an exciting journey in the years to come - patience and further bottle ageing will be princely rewarded here, we are sure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Casanova di Neri's latest Brunello comes from a 7 ha parcel acquired in 2017. The vineyard is located in the somewhat untamed area of Sesta, in the south-east of Montalcino, and has vines that are over 50 years old. The wine is extremely multi-faceted, exuding aromas of herbs and blood oranges. Velvety layers of fleshy persimmons and ample supple tannins are countered by a citrusy acidity. There's a crisp pomegranate as well as chocolaty depths of exotic carob. Lots of drive and vibration here." Decanter

"I have waited a long time for the first release of Giovanni Neri Brunello di Montalcino, and the 2018 does not disappoint. Here I find a beguiling blend of lavender, white pepper and crushed stone giving way to dried black cherries and foreign spices. The palate is washed by a smooth wave of ripe red berries, carried by a lively acidity, while nuances of sour citrus and clove resonate. The tannins are crisp, almost chiselled, but with a primary concentration that lingers beneath hints of violet flowers, tapering off with tremendous length and structure for long and balanced ageing. The Giovanni Neri comes from 50-year-old vines from a vineyard acquired in the south-east of Montalcino. This is a fabulous first bottling." Vinous

"This red is finely woven, with cherry and blackcurrant fruits shadowed by floral, mineral and black pepper aromas and flavours. Smooth and fluid, with excellent balance and lively acidity driving the fruity aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Sparkling ruby-garnet with brightening rim. Very clear, ripe fruit, of blackberries, dark plums and black cherries, in the background slightly of molasses. Presents itself on the palate with lots of sweet fruit, very clear, opens with fine, slightly grippy tannin, polished, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Here is an exciting and important new addition to the Casanova di Neri portfolio. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is shapely and enriched in an extremely pleasing way. The Neri family has perfected their approach to concentration and fruit weight over the many years they have been making excellent wines. This wine gives the impression of being full-bodied, but ultimately shows a very elegant side. Ripe cherry and blackberry are offset by oak spice, toast and white stones. The tannins are supple and sweet. 5,400 bottles of this first release were made." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful ripe fruit on the nose, with cranberries, plums, sour cherries, white truffle, red tea and white pepper. The tannins are very fine, creamy and expansive. Enveloping and generous, yet fresh. Wonderful length and depth. From a 7 hectare plot with 50 year old vines. Try this wine from 2025." James Suckling

"An impeccable interpretation, the result of excellent work both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Intense aromas of sour cherries and bay leaves on the nose, with salty and iodine notes on the finish. On the palate, it opens juicy and taut, then gains breadth and depth. Spicy tannins and a hint of hiel herbs characterise the long finish." Luca Gardini

Castello Romitorio has cool vineyard sites and is one of the few wineries that also achieves consistently good results in warmer years. The winery has also refined its winemaking style over the years to produce ever more elegant and slender wines. In the terrific2019 Riserva, there is finesse, but also powerful cherry fruit, damp earth, cured tobacco and grilled herbs. The mouthfeel is silky and soft, with good acidity on the almost endless finish. A masterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Riserva, a selection of grapes from the estate's oldest vineyards planted in 1987, impresses with its stunning bouquet and graceful architecture. It is easy to get lost in its heady scents of pressed violets and lilac potpourri, sweet earth and sandalwood. Supple and finely structured, but not without backbone, it flows effortlessly, exuding flavours of wild strawberries, dark cherries and nutmeg. Unadulterated and supple, it seduces with elegance rather than ensnaring with muscle power." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is to die for. Seamless and silky to the touch, it has a classic profile of dried strawberry, dusty rose, cedar shavings, clove and a hint of Tuscan dust. The 2019 has a core of juicy acidity that accentuates the ripe wild berry flavours, while nuances of sour citrus add complexity under a hint of violet blossom on the inside. The finish is liquorice-like and perfumed, with remarkable length, fine-grained tannins and a pleasantly bitter taste that draws the taster back to the glass." Vinous

"In the bottle with the white artist's label, the Castello Romitorio 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers more intensity and, above all, barbecue smoke, but the fruit integration is just as seamless as in the other wines of this vintage. The dark fruits are joined by spices, toasted almonds, grilled herbs and blue flowers. It has sweet tannins and a soft, textural finish." Wine Advocate

Costabate is a matter of the heart for Andrea Cortonesi and is only released in the best years and then in just 500 magnum bottles in selected specialist shops and the top gastronomy. This exceptional wine is vinified in barrique barrels from over 300-year-old oak trees.

This wine is made from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes from the Uccelliera vineyards. These are located at three different altitudes and thus different microclimates. It is an expression of the unique terroir around Castelnuovo dell'Abate and, strictly speaking, corresponds to a Brunello declassified as IGT. Bright ruby, then black fruits, some tar, teryaki notes and exotic spices. Fine-grained tannin and an almost inexhaustible complexity lead the wine connoisseur into new realms of experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, expressive and harmonious, this majestic red has blackberry, black currant, eucalyptus, menthol, wild rosemary and mineral flavors framed by vanilla and toasty oak. Gains support from firm tannins, yet the lasting impression is sweet fruit, so be patient." Wine Spectator

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2016, which comes onto the market seven years after the grape harvest, is a breathtaking wine. It soars to the highest heights in terms of elegance and power. These opposing forces - power and grace - are what characterise this classic vintage. Col d'Orcia has effortlessly captured and immortalised both sides of the continuum. The bouquet displays a long array of aromas, including dried cherries, liquorice, cola, lavender flowers, cured meat and black truffles. The velvety finish is smooth and lingering. A wonderful creation from the top 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with notes of plums, some cranberries, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, full-bodied tannins on the palate, opens with a lot of pressure, coated in ripe berry fruit, savoury and profound, subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, medium to deep ruby red colour with only light orange tones. Some development on the nose, but otherwise still very closed. Supple and concentrated, with fine, tangy acidity and astonishing balance. Finely chiselled tannins and supple, concentrated fruit on the finish. An elegant wine whose 15% alcohol is imperceptible." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is beautiful, to be honest, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino's history. The bouquet is characterised by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut shells. The tannins are dissolved and the wine ends on a soft, silky note." Wine Advocate

"The nose is primarily spicy, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general shop in the old west with cherry and liquorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-driven, with notes of cherries and figs mingling with coffee and sambuca flavours to create a subtle hint of spiciness. The tannins and acidity oversee the proceedings without imposing themselves, like a good host at a party." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento is a classic wine that takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining depth and nuance: dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then notes of cedar and spiced blood orange. It is elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruit and a silky texture contrasted by notes of sour orange. A core of lively acidity provides a wonderfully fresh appeal. The finish is long and colourful, but also youthfully structured. A layer of fine tannins holds on to the remnants of redcurrant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip and regretting its incredibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity it currently harbours, but I hope to be there when that day finally comes." Vinous

"Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution." Wine Spectator

"Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage that is now coming onto the market. The fragrance has it all: cherries, flowers, pencil and slight hints of graphite. This is followed by raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and incisive tannins that fill the mouth and show great tension and shape. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but it will age for decades to come." James Suckling

Medium-light ruby red colour. Very open and graceful nose of red fruits, violets, tobacco, rose petals and some thyme. Full and juicy on the palate, with a beautiful finish and subtle extract sweetness, expansively harmonious with a pleasant freshness and hints of pomegranate, pepper and sour cherry. Long-lasting with great depth, well-dosed tannins and fresh acidity - made for a long life in all its facets, but already very accessible today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very spicy bouquet with bright cherries and earthy-herbal nuances, laurel, fine leather and earth, also mineral hints, with air then also floral hints such as violets and roses. On the palate, it is dense and elegant, but still compact with a fine, unagitated, self-contained style, the fine tannins radiate noblesse, although still very much characterised by the cool vintage, very complex. Pure understatement." Weinwisser

"Elegant, dark, bright ruby red with delicate brick-red reflections. On the nose, butter biscuits, fresh red apple, rich cherry, watermelon, plus fine ferrous hints. Good juiciness and clear fruit on the palate, slightly rough but ripe tannins, slightly salty at the back, still needs time." Falstaff

"This pretty, elegant red offers a firm structure to support its rose, cherry, strawberry, mineral and menthol flavors. The tannins gain the upper hand for now, yet the fruit component lingers. This finishes long." Wine Spectator

"Very floral on the nose with lavender and lilac. Cherries and peaches with an undertone of orange. Medium body with firm and silky tannins that are slightly chewy. Salty undertone in the fruit and hints of cedar and black truffle. Strong acidity. Excellent energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is beautiful, floral and refined, with a classic Sangiovese profile that combines dried roses and black cherries with dusty earth, worn leather and a hint of cedar spice. It shows beautiful ripeness of fruit, pure and lifted yet powerful, with masses of red wild berries and inner flowers cascading over a core of savoury acidity. The finish is long and colourful, with regal tannins and a tart cranberry note that lingers on and on. The 2018 picks up the perfumed character of the vintage and combines perfectly with a core of vibrant, intense fruit. It is completely atypical of the vintage and the result of an extreme selection process that reduced the production volume by 20%." Vinous

The 2019 Brunello vintage from Altesino stands proudly among its peers. The bouquet has a pronounced floral character with delightful notes of pressed rose petals and dried violets. The fruit tones are elegant and harmonious, ranging from light red cherries to redcurrants. Firm and well-structured on the palate, the multi-layered fruit is accentuated by a refined fennel and liquorice note. Long and stately in the final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, ripe red; warm nose, deep ripe notes, inviting; powerful, coffee, cassis, matching tannin, length." Merum

"Already firm and compact on the nose with a fine, complex character, as is often the case on the dark red, black berry side (cassis, dark cherries), with earthy and ethereal notes reminiscent of mint. Very present and again grippy on the palate, the ripe fruit is clasped by a fine tannin corset, the delicate acidity embraces the athletic body. This has power and fine tension. A very typical 2019." Weinwisser

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Very fragrant on the nose, of ripe currants, reminiscent of raspberries, orange juice and cold fruit tea. Shows earthy notes on the palate, ripe berry fruit and full-bodied tannins, with good pressure, warm and grippy with good length on the finish." Falstaff

"This red wine has a solid structure and shows macerated flavours of cherry, plum, earth and wild herbs, supported by a lively acidity. A hint of chocolate adorns the finish alongside dense tannins." Wine Spectator

"Altesino covers around 50 hectares in the northern and southern parts of Montalcino. The estate's Brunello is a blend of different vineyards and is one of the best wines in the appellation. While the bottling from Montosoli has a rather solemn tone, this 2019 is cheerful and bright. Strong redcurrants and cherries mingle with plums and aniseed. The lush, fruity, plush palate is mouth-filling yet agile. Sandy tannins envelop and caress it, while the citrus-like acidity lightens the whole. It's already approachable and has enough depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment." Decanter

"A medium-bodied red wine with beautiful plum and berry aromas and flavours. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine and concentrated. This is all about finesse and polish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark ruby red colour in the glass and opens with a beguiling mix of dusty earth, crushed rock, spicy herbs and dried roses. It is racy and supple, with vibrant ripe wild berries underscored by orange and sage, all with a lively acidity. The grippy tannins take control on the finish, but hints of bitter liquorice and dark chocolate leave the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a rich and flavoursome side that this wine carries very well. There is a nice amount of dark fruit that blends into the velvety texture of the wine. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant, full-bodied volume and fine tannins." Wine Advocate

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Medium ruby red. Opulent bouquet of small red berries, especially redcurrant, somewhat herbal. Then full and harmonious on the palate, with pleasant fresh brightenings and a nice texture of cherries, forest floor and herbs. A stable framework of acidity and tannin leads into a persistent and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Warm, very seductive aromas of black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth emerge from the bright ruby red. The interplay between the rich fruit and the classic structure is ingenious. The taste captivates with its intensity, luxurious and mysteriously dark. Love at first sight! SUPERIORE.DE

"Stands out positively; gossamer reduction, liquorice, violets, cool herbal spice, menthol and mint, blue fruit, ultra elegant already in the aroma; continues on the palate spicy and drinky, contemporary and classic at the same time, animating for all its power." Meiningers Sommelier

"The organic and biodynamic Pian dell'Orino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante is drinking beautifully right now. Released later than its peers, this Sangiovese showcases the power, precision and elegance of the iconic 2016 vintage. Yet the wine also offers enough distance from the harvest to enable additional complexity thanks to barrel and bottle aging. A dark garnet appearance sets the stage, and the bouquet follows in lockstep with pressed cherry, dark plum, spice, balsam herb and an unexpected interjection of freshly cut red rose. The wine's aromas are delivered with generous and transparent intensity. On the palate, Vigneti del Versante is rich and dense, offering silky tannins with crunch. There is a hint of salty mineral at the very end. Exactly 7,556 bottles exist." Wine Advocate

"Crushed stone, wild herbs and tart black cherries lift up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante, but that’s only the beginning. With time, this blossoms further, gaining a sweeter fruit profile and autumnal spices with hints of shaved cedar. Its textures are remarkably refined and silky in feel, with an intense concentration of tart red fruits, yet energy is maintained through brilliant acidity, as grippy tannins build steadily toward the close. The Vigneti del Versante tapers off with amazing length, youthful poise and a balanced structure, promising many, many years of positive evolution. This is really something to behold. I tasted the 2016 from a freshly opened bottle and from one that had been opened for two days prior that showed no signs of decline; in fact, it blossomed further. Simply stunning." Vinous

Luce is the iconic wine of the estate of the same name and symbolises the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the richness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region with a personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red colour. The bouquet is initially reductive and relatively austere, opening up soft and warm with increasing aeration and a seductive aroma of ripe berries, tobacco and leather. The flavour is concentrated, distinctive and tannic, yet silky and promising on the palate. The finish is long and deep with hints of coffee and vanilla. A great blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine fragrance on the nose, subtle, some lavender, mint, then cassis and ripe raspberry, cold smoke on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine is characterised by the vanilla of new oak and has aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, flowers and iron. Racy, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on the finish. It needs air, so give it a few years to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The nose is dense and powerful, with lush black fruits and chocolate, and it becomes even more perfumed with aeration. The attack is tangy and powerful, savoury and assertive, but without excessive extraction, and the tannins are polished. Despite a hint of tar and liquorice, the black fruits dominate. It is well balanced, grippy and structured, with a very long finish and will age well." Decanter

"Delicious perfume of dark forest fruits and plums, also tobacco and undergrowth; well-built with precise tannins, a subtle minerality can also be felt, the final a potpourri of fruity and balsamic notes, overall extremely polished and elegant." Vinum

"Very nice orange peel with redcurrants and blue berries. Also flowers. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit on the finish. Serious structure and brightness. Better after 2026." James Suckling

Once upon a time, there was a vineyard that was particularly spoilt by the Montalcino sun; it still bears the name Vigna Loreto to this day. Only in the best vintages does a Brunello come from this exposed site that is bursting with richness, complexity and assertiveness. It possesses a textural depth and balance that is captivating. Fruit, spice and very unique nuances such as savoury herbs, liquorice, tobacco and a firm tannin make this impressive wine monument linger on the palate and in the memory for a long time. With every sip, it opens up further layers and you might almost sink into it, such is the shift in the boundaries of what is comparable. The 2019 Vigna Loreto is not only extremely elegant, but also profound and almost outrageously juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose with woody spice, backed by ripe red and blue fruits (redcurrants, wild berries) with ethereal herbal aromas, also floral notes such as lavender. Rich palate with intense fruit, ripe and taut, framed by grippy, polished tannins and supporting freshness." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Opens with notes of smoke and tobacco, then lots of pomegranate and plum, light mineral components. Present tannin on the palate, which is very well integrated over the course, firm pressure, lots of juicy fruit." Falstaff

"Overlooking the River Orcia, the south-east-facing Loreto vineyard rises 400 metres above sea level. Tasted alongside the estate's Brunello, it definitely shows a greater stage presence. Intense plum and cherry flavours intertwine with exotic spices, chinotto and sweet herbs. The inner flavours of the vintage are in the foreground and emphasise the compact fruit. The gravelly tannins support the whole, but are more elegant than powerful. The wine finishes with a hint of liquorice." Decanter

"Blackberries, menthol, sage, stone dust and cloves characterise the youthful, restrained 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto. It flows lightly across the palate, silky with depths of ripe raspberries and sour cherries, while fine-grained tannins saturate the finish. The finish is savoury and long, structured yet lively and stimulates the imagination with its future potential. Hints of cocoa, lavender and topical leaf linger and seem to last well over a minute. I am impressed." Vinous

"This wine shows cracked white pepper and wet slate, giving you a clear sense of place. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto is precise and well-defined, but as the wine opens up, you get interludes of ripe fruit, blackcurrant and oak spice. The wine is multi-faceted with many layers and angles. The palate is bright cherry with good length that leads into fine, chalky tannins. This wine offers an authentic flavour of Montalcino." Wine Advocate

"A soil with tufa prevalence that gives this Brunello great tension. Red mulberry, notes of lemon thyme and peony. Salty tannins on the palate finish with thyme and floral notes." Luca Gardini

A Riserva is produced in the winery only in the best years, and the result is just over 3,000 bottles of the finest Sangiovese, which presents itself in the 2015 edition undisputedly in the first league of Montalcino. Medium light red, wonderfully balanced aromas and an almost seamless transition from nose to palate. Notes of wild berries, spices and forest floor come together like a team to create a rich, deep and highly balanced growth, which is already on the podium after the first sip. Texture, structure and tannins are not to be surpassed in harmony and leave an impression in the long reverberation, dan one does not forget again. 2015 was a very harmonious and rich year, this Brunello captures the character of the vintage impressively precisely. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"A full-bodied, structured red with smoke, tar and grilled mushrooms on the nose. Some bitter berries to go with the earthy mushrooms. Chewy tannins and a long, savory finish. Lots of citrus." James Suckling

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is another beauty from this bijoux estate. This wine offers texture and depth, but it does not have the same level of luminosity or brightness that we got in the 2016 Brunello. It shows some charred aromas with spice and ripe fruit, with wide and large ambition. I got a touch of Graham cracker and brown sugar, followed by spice and ripe fruit. This is a long and generous wine, with soft fruit and texture on the long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from Gianni Brunelli didn’t leave much room for improvement; yet somehow the Riserva manages to take things to a whole new level. The bouquet alone is absolutely stunning, as you could sit with this glass for an hour and never grow tired of taking in its mix of sweet wild herbs, dusty florals and bright cherry fruit. Sage, lavender, spiced orange and flowery undergrowth complete this already-dazzling expression. It’s deep and silky, verging on fleshy but not quite, as a tactile mix of acids, minerals and fine tannin settle in. That said, while the 2015 Riserva is classically structured and dry, it prioritizes purity of fruit above all else, seeming to hover upon the senses and never grow tiring. Fans of Gianni Brunelli will be very happy to have a few of these resting in the cellar. The Riserva is typically made from a higher percentage of fruit from the Olmo vineyard at Podernovone in the south balanced out by a parcel from Le Chiuse in the north, which adds freshness." Vinous

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Wonderfully accentuated bouquet of wild cherries, rose petals and violets. Silky and polished on the palate, with a noticeable vitality. The proportions of fruit, acidity and tannin are well balanced, complemented by exciting notes of liquorice and herbs. Medium-long, very balanced finish. This Brunello ideally represents the exceptional vintage and will certainly continue to grow in the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous ruby. Pretty nose of red fruit with a dark earth note and a mere suggestion of oak. Cool-climate character. Sleek and succulent and with fine, gripping tannins; more direct than the Rennina of the same vintage. Will improve with more bottle age, even if it is already very attractive." Jancis Robinson

San Polo's top Brunello comes from the estate's oldest vines, the 2-hectare single vineyard Vignavecchia. Intense ruby red in colour. The nose is enveloped by ripe red berries, violets, some forest floor and a subtle woody spice. The palate is breathtakingly deep, complex and with a terrifictexture. The warm tannins and well-balanced acidity make every sip unforgettable and the endlessly long final lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia lulls me with a seductive palette of sweet exotic spices emphasising medicinal cherry and dusty violet blossom. It's silky smooth, with a dense wave of rich red fruit enveloping the senses, allowing violet-tinged inner flowers and chalky mineral tones to linger. This dark, enchanting Brunello finishes with impressive length and a layer of fine tannins that beautifully frame the lingering notes of liquorice and citrusy blackberries. Courtesy of San Polo, this is once again a great Brunello of the vintage." Vinous

"The organic San Polo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia opens with a medium-dark garnet colour and shows both the tart fruit aromas we saw in the Annata expression and the gamey aromas we saw in the Podernovi selection. This wine is a good middle ground with cassis, cherry and sour plum flavours. There are also spices, leather and smoked tobacco. It finishes with medium intensity and an acidic finish. The old vines are selected from an area of two hectares and only 3,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The nose initially features a textured sweetness of fruit leather, cherry candy, figs and oranges, then takes an umami turn towards wet, fallen leaves, mushrooms and soy sauce. The figs and oranges star on the palate, but a bitter cocoa undercurrent maintains balance, as acid sparkles around tightly coiled tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Complex nose of cloves, ripe violet berries, some graphite, dried herbs, dark plums and spices. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a compact core of ripe, dark fruits and spices. Deep and profound." James Suckling