Wines from Tuscany | Montalcino

After a year's break, the new edition of the long-awaited Brunello Annata comes onto the market with the outstanding 2019 vintage. Initially restrained on the nose, with a little coaxing in the glass it reveals a beautiful blend of fragrant black cherries, mentholated spices, wild herbs, white smoke and a hint of leather. On the palate, silky, enveloping textures, contrasted by cool red and black fruits, plus lively acids that emphasise the spicier and sweeter side of the wine and glide endlessly on the final with fine tannins and minerals. We can already recognise a harmony here that makes us eagerly anticipate the further development of this wonderful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Valdicava was rewarded in 2019 with both quality and quantity. Rather than racing out of the gate, this expresses methodically. Fresh berries are offset by dried florals, tea, tobacco and cedar. Perfumes of orange oil and rose build on the palate, bestowing brightness and a more youthful mien. Tannins are fine-grained yet firm, accentuated by steely acidity. Overall elegant in flow." Decanter

"This displays a mix of fruity and savory flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, rose hip, leather and earth. Pliable tannins emerge on the finish, yet this is balanced and long overall, with freshness and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Aromatic with black cherries, oranges and cedar. Very perfumed. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. The wood is showing a bit now but will come through nicely. This is a structured and toned red. Give this three or four years more in bottle." James Suckling

Only produced in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, liquorice and dark, fleshy fruit are some of the typical signatures of this extreme wine. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate, it gradually opens up with fine-meshed tannins and plenty of cherry flavours, yet is extremely elegant and describes a broad arc in its overall appearance. The 2019 edition is a particularly dark, broodingBrunello that will gain even more tension and finesse during its well-deserved further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, bright ruby red colour with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of ripe cherries, ripe strawberries, dried rose petals, a hint of sealing wax and fine tobacco notes on the finish. Very full-bodied and engaging on the palate, rich and full-bodied, with great savouriness and juiciness, vibrant, long, powerful, big." Falstaff

"Dark, brooding and powerful, the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro Riserva 2019 is a force to be reckoned with. It pours from the glass with a burst of crushed blackberries, plums and exotic spices, further complicated by dried orange peel and cedar shavings. Velvety and weighty, it floods the palate with rich and enveloping textures. At the core of this wine is an enticing and stabilising acidity with ripe red and black fruits flooding the senses. The 2019 rejuvenates with dramatic length and structure, leaving a frame of sweet tannins and a finish of salted liquorice and mocha that lingers." Vinous

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro offers a dark, concentrated approach with a bouquet of black fruits, spices, earth and smoked tobacco. I find the approach quite robust and ponderous. This vintage is particularly concentrated and recommended for those looking for this powerful style. The tannins come with a hint of dryness." Wine Advocate

"The ripe yet fresh flavours are so seductive and irresistible, showing plums, cedar, rose petals and a hint of leather. Full-bodied yet framed and taut with fantastic length and intensity. The polished tannins are powerful but restrained and show great presence and character. This is a monumental wine in many ways. A wine for the cellar." James Suckling

There was no Montosoli for two years due to quality reasons, but now it is back in its peak year and for the first time in a 0.Liters bottle. Irresistible bouquet of orange peel, cherries and herbs, plus floral undergrowth, white smoke and wild berries. The attack is fascinatingly soft and pure, infused with salty minerals, while sweet notes of cherry and raspberry slowly emerge and increase the pressure. The whole is flanked and completed in its complexity by tannins that still have a youthful grip. What could be more high-class than a perfectly proportioned (and extremely limited) Brunello from one of Montalcino's most famous vineyards? SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 shows an intense ruby red colour and a virile personality that packs a punch. The aroma of oily herbs, iron, incense and game is pervasive, and mineral nuances are repeated on the palate, where bitter chocolate tones lie in wait. The full, velvety, dark-skinned fruit is framed by crisp, vertical tannins and infused with energetic acidity. As voluminous as this wine is now, its structure demands time." Decanter

"This red wine is characterised by intensity, breadth and depth. It displays expressive aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and tobacco, which combine with a supple texture and refined structure. It strikes a balance between elegance and power, with a lingering aftertaste of fresh red fruit." Wine Spectator

"The nose is so pure and subtle, with a hint of sophistication and ethereality. You can just sit back and think about the world. It's like sitting in a mountain meadow. Medium to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are endless and glorious in every way. It's like being connected to a unique piece of earth when you taste this wine. Just ripe berries with dried flowers, mussel shells and subtle mushroom and bark notes. Lasts so long on the palate. Endless. It's already drinkable because it's perfectly balanced, but it will be even better in three to six years and beyond." James Suckling

With so many fantastic wines produced in the exceptional year 2016, it is hard for us to make a best list. But the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro 2016 is definitely one of them. Only bottled in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. It is thoroughly graceful and very elegant, with powerful aromatic intensity followed by firm tannins and a polished, soft texture. This Riserva offers power in the proverbial silken glove. But the wine is by no means simplistic about it. The longer it warms in the glass, the more it delights and surprises us. Delicate tones of wild berries, cassis, blanched almonds and dried ginger work together harmoniously, the final is endless and the lasting impression unforgettable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive raspberry nose, coquettishly underpinned by notes of flowers and herbs; multi-faceted texture, the acidity invigorating, the tannins tight and beautiful, the final full of polish and elegance, the fruit notes beguiling. Great wine that can age." Vinum

"Bright, rich garnet red. Very clear and intense nose, full of ripe raspberries, pickled cherries and some liquorice in the background. Lots of ripe fruit on the palate, shows grippy tannin, firm pressure on the final, long finish of plums." Falstaff

"From the estate’s Pianrosso vineyard in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate area, Santa Caterina d’Oro bears the imprint of Montalcino’s south. The spiced, floral potpourri is tangled with sunbaked terracotta scents. This is a substantial, hefty wine with lots of extract and a profusion of fleshy red plum and prune. The tannins are very suave, while sandy earthiness lurks in the background and a salty tang comes through on the finish." Decanter

"Dark yet wonderfully perfumed, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro blossoms in the glass to present a bouquet of dried strawberries and roses complemented by hints of blood orange and clove. It shows the power and grace of a well-muscled dancer as a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits rushes across the palate, lifted by bright acidity, while leaving a mix of saline-minerals and grippy tannins toward the close. Though structured for the long haul, the 2016 maintains unexpected vibrancy, finishing with hints of plum and almond. This is simply stunning." Vinous

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is gorgeous, full stop. It shows an incredible level of Sangiovese purity and sharpness, and you taste the grape as if you were eating berries straight out of the vineyard. On top of that healthy and bright primary material, the wine layers on elegant aromas of spice, ferrous earth, balsam herb and red rose potpourri. The aromas meet with seamless integration and segue to ongoing depth and complexity offered to the palate. This Riserva is rather delicate in terms of mouthfeel; however, it is powerful and long, with high alcohol, polished tannins and a silky texture. A hint of sweet cherry mixed with menthol freshness pulls it together at the end." Wine Advocate

"Glorious aromas of flowers, nutmeg, dark berries, earth and black cherries follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins that are long and extremely polished. They go on for minutes. Reserved and shy still, due to its excellence. Give this four or five years to come around. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"Both fluid and concentrated at once, this exudes cherry, black currant, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Saturated with ripe fruit, this has beautifully integrated acidity and tannins, with a racy profile that drives the superlong finish. The tannins flex their muscles at the end yet remain refined." Wine Spectator

"A wine from cru of about 12 hectares born to be great. 36 months in Slavonian oak from 20-62 hl, at least 8 in bottle. Sour cherry, balsamic touch of Valdostan mint, black pepper leaf, undergrowth at the nose, juicy, dense mouth, with iodized and refined tannins, persistence and precision. Breathtaking finish." Luca Gardini

Just 72 bottles of this extraordinary creature were released for the German market. At the same time, San Polo's latest growth comes from the oldest vines of the wine estate, the Vignavecchia single vineyard with a size of 2 hectares. The year 2015 brought not only very healthy berries but also ideal acidity and sugar levels. So, it is not surprising that Vignavecchia made it to the podium right away and that this Brunello is one of the highest-rated wines of the dream vintage.

Intense ruby red. The nose is flooded with ripe red berry fruits, violets, some forest floor and a subtle wood spice. On the palate then breathtakingly deep, complex and with terrific texture. The warm tannins and well-dosed acidity make each sip memorable, and the endlessly long final reverberates long after the bottle is already empty ... This wine fills Brunello lovers with great joy and only the most controlled among them will ever experience the terrific maturation potential of the Vignavecchia 2015. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of underbrush, camphor and tobacco form the nose along with a whiff of prune. Tightly knit and full-bodied, the palate features black-cherry jam, licorice, roasted coffee-bean and toasted notes alongside close-grained, velvety tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Released in numbered bottles, the Poggio San Polo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia is a true beauty with the elegance, distinctive intensity and savory sophisticated flavors that you only get in this storied appellation in the southern half of Tuscany. With fruit from old vines, the wine is naturally denser and richer. This expression also shows more oak shadings, with pretty spice and smoke that frame the dark fruit. These various elements come together with impeccable precision and focus. I suggest giving this wine a few more years of cellar rest." Wine Advocate

"This is a phenomenal new red from San Polo with superb depth and intensity with plum, wet earth and black truffle. Full body. Chewy and ripe tannins and a long and flavorful finish. The depth and beautiful is gorgeous. Needs three or four years to come together." James Suckling

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

Brunello Giovanni Neri exudes all the outstanding qualities of the raw material and the winemaker's craft. Man and nature unite here in perfect precision and harmony. Its balance is exquisite. Strong cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and slightly fragrant cedar wood notes. The wine spreads evenly and powerfully on the palate, and its flavour intensity can be counted on for many minutes. Giovanni Neri Brunello is wonderfully concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or even too dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Presents itself with a memorable nose, lots of crisp fruit, blood orange and cherry, some lemon balm. On the palate, fine-meshed tannins that spread out in many layers, builds up over a long time, with very well-developed fruit and a very long finish with full-bodied pressure." Falstaff

"This ripe red wine is bursting with aromas and flavours of plums, cherries, rosehips and minerals, while a light tannin content and lively acidity provide lift. Balanced, pure and long, with a ray of cherry that lingers in the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri showcases a seductive blend of dried cherry, clove, incense, cedar spice box and hints of rosemary in its dramatic bouquet. This possesses a lovely inner sweetness and vividly ripe red and blue fruits. Tactile mineral tones add tension and saturated, edgy tannins settle in toward the close. Classically structured and incredibly long, it leaves the palate reeling. The 2019 is youthfully poised and structured yet remains fresh as rosy inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

"Wow, this wine steals the show. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is a new addition to the Casanova di Neri portfolio in its second year of existence. It is a tribute to Giacomo Neri's father and represents a stylistic shift to the elegant side of Montalcino. The wine shows a very nuanced bouquet with roasted cherry stones, Luxardo syrup and balsamic herbs. Dark slate and stony minerals merge into a very clean and beautiful earthiness. The tannins are slightly sweeter compared to other wines of this vintage, and there are fragrant tones of old rose and lilac. The balance between tannin and fruit is excellent and I can imagine that this wine will age for a long time." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cherries, flowers and cedar are followed by a full body with plenty of pure and juicy fruit character. Creamy and savoury with an aftertaste of crushed beans and cherries. The Brunello of today is characterised by purity and perfection of the fruit. The best of an outstanding vintage." James Suckling

"A Brunello of tension and balance, a stylistic masterpiece. The nose is multi-faceted, with hints of blackberry, then blood orange and mint. A balsamic, full, dense and compact bouquet with hints of geranium and clementine peel. The flavour combines elegance and texture, with a return of laurel and a strong salty note on the finish." Luca Gardini

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimal time of ripeness. He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows.

The fruit of the 2018 vintage is deep and dark, with high levels of extract, intensity and flavour. It goes far beyond the standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped plum. Nothing about this wine is obvious or monochromatic, everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova also regularly features the mineral-salty notes that are characteristic of this single vineyard. Very supple tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the Cetine vineyard, located southeast of Sant'Angelo in Colle, comes this bottling of Tenuta Nuova with Mediterranean flair and sensual appeal. The relatively early harvest16 September has preserved the freshness of the grapes. Under a woody top note, lavender and balsamic herbs emerge. The ripe red cherries, infused with cinnamon and wrapped in supple tannins, show a high concentration. A juicy, tangy acidity supports the whole. The supple and refined wood should digest with another year in bottle." Decanter

"Bright and concentrated, with aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rose hips, mushrooms, iron and tobacco. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a long-lasting aftertaste. Supported by a firm structure." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is spicy and intense, exuding a wild blend of sweet herbs, cloves, dried citrus peel and crushed red plums. It is dark, elegant and refined, with polished red and black fruits highlighted by hints of lavender and mint; yet underneath, a web of fine tannins slowly saturates the palate. Hints of cranberry and tangerine mingle with lavender on the long and textured final, and the 2018 ends wonderfully balanced and classic. With more maturity, it could earn an even higher score." Vinous

"Powerful, sparkling ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens on the nose with notes of wild raspberry and black cherry, along with fine spicy components, violets in the background. Substantial and dense in attack and course, shows very great, compact tannin in many layers, full bite in the final, ends on notes of cloves." Falstaff

"Here is a treat from Casanova di Neri. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is full-bodied and rich with beautiful layers of dark fruits, dried blackberries, spices and smoked tobacco. The sour cherry of this vintage transitions into crushed flowers, balsamic herbs, liquorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the magic of Casanova di Neri emerges thanks to the wine's balance and beautiful intensity." Wine Advocate

"Elegant and perfumed nose of dried roses, violets, lemon peel, slate, cherries, anise and truffle. Very fine, tight and precise tannins. Medium to full body. I like the floral and saline undertones. So precise and fresh with a dense finish. Crushed stones on the finish. Try it in 2025, but it is already attractive to taste and drink." James Suckling

"Southeastern area of Montalcino. From an innovative wine project, a refined and taut Brunello, one of the symbols of this typology now. Vertical on the nose, with notes of redcurrant, wild mint and chinotto, with hints of peony and blood orange. Crisp-tight drinkability, with saline tannins. Finishes fruity and citrusy again." Luca Gardini

Silky, open and graceful, it is characterised by outstanding elegance and the finesse typical of the northern sector of Montalcino. Rose petals, sweet red berries and graceful, minty notes adorn the palate in a sensual, silky Brunello that exudes its class and pedigree from the very first sip. The traditional Marroneto style with fine-grained tannins and subtle salty notes contrasts excitingly with the classic structure and extract sweetness. Great wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle and sweet to start, it flits with strawberry and cherry blossom before taking on earthier tones. Elegantly weighted but still tight, the palate is built around pure red cherry and raspberry, embedded with nutmeg and incense. Chalky and layered, the tannins sport an assertive bite. Give it a couple of years." Decanter

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is an understated beauty, slowly emerging with a delicate blend of rose petals, fresh mint, crushed rocks and vividly ripe black cherries. It hovers across the palate, lifted and finessed yet spry, with ripe red berry fruits and hints of lavender, taking on a liquid floral concentration toward the close. Pleasantly chewy and long, the 2020 leaves the senses stained in primary concentration, with a tinge of bitter cranberry and pretty inner florals that resonate over a bed of classically dry tannins. This is a more concentrated and intense yet wonderfully balanced rendition of Il Marroneto's Brunello." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of special depth and elegance. Alessandro Mori tells me that fermentation in 2020 proceeded nicely with what he describes as a "primordial stew" of grape must, resulting in high pressure "geysers" or "liquid bombs" that rip right through the cap because of pressure build-up. Someone is having tons of fun in the winery. High temperatures (between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius) serve to fix the wine's ruby color and the elegance of its perfumes, which are more floral than fruity. At the end of fermentation, he manages the skins with light wetting by hand with a tube. This vintage offers softness and a silky texture that feels glossy to the palate." Wine Advocate

As always, the stunning Vigneti del Versante offers a spicy and seductive fruit of black cherries and plums, along with flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth. The wine shows great fibre and density, with much of this power coming from the heavier soils of the selected vineyard sites. The overall impression is captivating with its intensity, yet luxurious and mysteriously dark. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a fascinating interpretation of the Vigneti di Versante, taking the floral, exotic nature of the vintage and combining it with the finesse and sophistication of Pian dell'Orino. Mint leaves, crushed stones, hints of camphor and dried strawberries are complemented in the glass by hints of ground ginger. This wine is elegant and refined, silky to the core, with tantalising acidity and mineral tones enlivened by hints of orange, while red plums linger on the senses. The tannins are soft and dusty, with an admirable concentration rarely found in 2018, finishing fresh and lightly textured. It is simply delicious. There will be no Bassolino di Sopra in 2018. All the juice went to the Vigneti del Versante." Vinous

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimum ripening time. He knows his estate and his vines better than most and it shows. The fruit for Tenuta Nuova is harvested from a south and south-east facing slope at 250 to 300 metres above sea level. The soils are loose and mixed with gravel, which allows access to air and moisture.

The flavours of Tenuta Nuova 2019 flow with seamless transitions, and this fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet helps to develop intensity and persistence. In the beautifully drawn bouquet, blackberry, plum and summer cherry merge into lingering flavours of spice, leather and herbs. These are always an unmistakable feature of this winery's Brunello and develop steadily with further aeration. The palate reveals a great structure with mineral accents, a fine orange peel flavour, present fruit and numerous spicy components. This wine is a bit like an iron fist in a velvet glove - but with much more velvet glove than iron fist. The finish is long and, as so often with Neri, invigoratingly salty with an undertone of oyster shells. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deeply layered bouquet, wide-ranging with dark red flavours, wow, it's captivating. The palate is also complex and multi-layered with earthy, truffled nuances, very territorial, firm structure, penetrating acidity, firm tannic grip, a wine for the ages. The single vineyard Tenuta Nuova is once again one of the best in the tasting. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with light violet reflections. Complex on the nose, iron, dark cherry fruit, rich plum, some lovage. On the palate with lots of salt and juice, complex, comes in many layers, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and with full splendour, keeps coming back, big." Falstaff

"Black cherries with violets and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The fruit profile of this red wine is ripe, with flavours of boysenberries, cherries and raspberries, with nuances of earth, iron and tobacco. More linear than square, with a steely line of acidity and tannins in support. Although balanced, it is compact for the moment and has a nice length." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is an understated beauty, perfumed and highly aromatic, with a gorgeous blend of dried black cherry, clove, hints of sage and spiced blood orange. It is cool-toned and classic in feel, with silken textures and vibrant acidity that enlivens the core of tart red berry fruits. A cascade of violet and lavender tones resonate over a coating of fine-grained tannins as it flexes its structural muscle, tapering off long and potent and demanding the taster's attention. This will pay dividends in the cellar." Vinous

"In my opinion, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri style. With 30 months of ageing, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the outstanding fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the comparison between the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of roasted spices, black fruits, ink, blackberry compote, liquorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well-crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. It has excellent cellaring potential." Wine Advocate

"Notes of cherries and pepper leaves, with a hint of iodine. Opens juicy and taut on the palate, then expands in breadth and depth. Salty, juicy tannins and an officinal trace mark the finish is deep, big drink and long persistence." Luca Gardini

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Fuligni's superb 2019 Riserva shows a beautiful tertiary intensity with wild berries and plums, followed by balsamic herbs, liquorice, grilled herbs and spices. We are delighted by the sheer opulence and richness of this wine, which remains pleasantly medium-bodied throughout, yet produces plenty of elegance and sufficient power on the other side. This Riserva from a top vintage never feels too heavy or too flat, but impresses with its disciplined energy and vitality. With each successive glass, the wine becomes a perfectly balanced world of modernity and tradition that is unrivalled in its wine form. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. On the nose, chalky, mineral sour cherry and raspberry with a complex, exotic-spicy note. Seductive purity of fruit on the palate. Lots of concentrated sweet red fruit, but with the right dose of tangy acidity and tactile, chewy tannins. Sensationally balanced." Jancis Robinson

"Fuligni's 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows its sultry and savoury side with medium-grained tannins and added structure surrounding a core of dark blackberry fruit. The alcohol content is high at 15%, but this full-bodied vintage does a very good job of hiding it. This Riserva finishes with notes of root beer and sauna wood." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dried berries, orange peel and flowers lead to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins that blend well into the wine, giving it energy and length. Beautiful ripe fruit with a juicy and flavourful finish. A classic and beautifully proportioned young Brunello. Drinkable, but better after 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

"The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 is a seductress with a multitude of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black cherry and a hint of laurel. On the palate, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is radiant and classic, with lively ripe red fruit and sweet spices, perfectly accompanied by a core of brilliant acidity. Its minerality emerges on the finish, which is tactile and salty. A web of fine-grained tannins envelops the senses with youthful balance, nuances of cedar and inner rose. The 2019 is captivating and made for the cellar. What a beauty." Vinous

"The Fuligni Riserva, which is only produced in vintages with ideal ripeness and a strong acid backbone to guarantee longevity, strives to fully express the characteristics of a vintage. The 2019 edition is a complete success with its fragrance, regal structure and inner glamour that illuminates the depth of the wine. Intense cherry, orange zest, truffles and forest roots are all on the nose. The fruit is unadulterated and even supple and sinuous, but the tannins have a countervailing bite. Spicy pomegranate resounds from the core of this elegantly weighted gem; everything is neatly in place and unfolds in a flavourful measured gait." Decanter

In the past, the northern slope of Montalcino was not planted with vines, but was cultivated with cereals, olives and cherries. In this area influenced by the Apennines, the seasons are more pronounced, continental and the north wind significantly lowers the temperature in winter. It is therefore the coldest Brunello region at this time of year, but also the wettest. This northern slope is a gentle hill: a characteristic that is more reminiscent of the Crete Senesi area, right next door, than the two stiffer, steeper and warmer southern slopes of Montalcino.

Due to the climate and the origin of the soil, the grapes in this area of Montalcino are harvested last every year. Vigna del Lago is the vineyard that welcomes all visitors travelling from the north of Montalcino. It takes its name from the lake that surrounds it and which plays a fundamental role in the microclimate of the area; the soil is a constant alternation between clay and strips of very fine Galestro.

Brunello Vigna del Lago is a historic cru from the Val di Suga winery, it is an old-school Brunello, from the times before the arrival of barriques and technology. An authentic product that is enjoying increasing demand. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio, which is aged in new Liters French barriques, this wine matures in large 30- and 50-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels.

It is a wine with a low alcohol content, light orange-ruby colour, with very fine and almost imperceptible tannins, with a floral nose of citrus notes, myrtle and fresh cherries. It is a Brunello of great richness and balance and also has a very pleasant lightness, well-contoured acidity and a salty, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cosy bouquet of flowers, herbs and black forest fruits; the attack is balanced, harmonious, with juice and suppleness right into the complex finish. convinces with its polish." Vinum

"A fragrant Brunello that convinces with small red and dark fruits and increasingly reveals floral notes with air. Amarena cherry, leather. On the palate, a fine melting style, polished, juicy, elegant, red berry spice and plum. Beautiful drinking flow that is already fun. It still has room for improvement." Weinwisser

"Almost a little developed, barrel-woody and tobacco-like aroma of predominantly black berries, some tar, ash, iodine and forest floor. Clear, straightforward, ripe, almost cool, predominantly red fruit, quite present, fine tannins, a certain acid bite, persistent on the palate, herbal and salty nuances, moderate barrel tones, again a little forest messenger, resinous traces, good depth, restrained power, elegant style, multi-layered, gains transparency and freshness with air, very good to long, firm, tart-juicy finish with fine spice." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red colour, radiant. Appealing, open nose of leather, rosehips, blood oranges, with fine precious wood and dark berry notes on the finish. Grippy, firm tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and finesse" Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Balsamic and with just a hint of sour cherry and a touch of spice, and with brooding concentration. A sense of richness on the palate with plenty of cherry fruit framed by delicious, chewy tannins. Lots of depth. Ripe now, but with the potential to age further." Jancis Robinson

"The Vigna del Lago surrounds the Val di Suga winery in the north-west of Montalcino. The gently sloping vineyard lies on clay soil at 280 metres above sea level. The wine is aged exclusively in large Slavonian oak barrels with a capacity of 30 to 40 hectolitres in order to preserve the wonderful purity of the sweet fruit. The 2018 is subtly perfumed and exudes delicate aromas of white flowers and oranges that emphasise the scent of red berries. Light and lively, it is initially more reminiscent of a Rosso di Montalcino, but a powdery texture and its persistent mineral core add complexity." Decanter

"Smooth and juicy, with flavours of cherry, plum, sage and leather. Light and lively, with fine tannins on the finish. Shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is perfumed, with crushed blackberries and plums accompanied by minty herbs and a hint of smoke. It is silky-smooth yet racy in style, with masses of tart wild berries accompanied by vibrant acidity. Violet and lavender tones resonate, while the Vigna del Lago finishes structured and slightly chewy with silty tannins and a hint of bitter cocoa that lingers." Vinous

"The nose blends the adventurous aromas of leather, stone and coffee with lighter notes of vanilla, cherries and bitter orange peel. On the palate, a current of blood orange bolsters the cherry element, while the vanilla sweetness pushes back against a swelling bitter undertone. Taut tannins march into a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way. A great harmony of dark cherries, black fruits, spices, leather and tobacco, ideally integrated tannins and great persistence will quickly make the few thousand bottles a sought-after collector's item. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Opens with notes of blood orange, fresh plum, black cherry, some rose petal in the background. Juicy and compact on the attack and on the palate, shows plenty of dense tannins, builds up in layers, dark cherry fruit, savoury pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red colour. Closed nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Rich, tangy cherry with a hint of oak and polished but firm tannins. Very seductive and with the typical signature of Ferrini - the eternal suave. Long, but not quite open yet, and the tannins still need to dissolve a little into the fruit. Shows real potential and promise and is not uninteresting." Jancis Robinson

"For Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, 2018 was a classic year. His Brunello is one of the shooting stars. The wine opens elegantly and full of finesse with red and dark blue fruit as well as a wonderful black cherry flavour and floral nuances. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with a fresh fruit presence. Subtly interwoven with delicate hints and the noble cedar notes of the wooden barrel ageing. Very precise yet intense with good concentration for the vintage and extremely silky, grippy tannins." Weinwisser

"Notes of farmyard, caramel, wood, cedar and toast on the nose. Vibrant sweet strawberry and red berry fruit on the palate, a hint of spiciness, bitterness and a creamy feel from the tannins. I like the gentle saltiness - wet stone and salt gracing the palate, and the sweetness with acidity that keeps everything so buoyant and cheerful. An extremely elegant expression, smooth, balanced and complete." Decanter

"Flavours of black cherries, violets, lavender and orange peel follow through to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. So focussed and radiant. Agile and weightless on the finish. Not the greatest Giodo, but beautiful and precise." James Suckling

"Tasted at the Giodo estate in one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the appellation, surrounded by forests and sweeping panoramas, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino gives us a promising taste of what we can expect from this warm vintage. The wine offers ripe but delicate flavours of cassis and dark cherries with nuances of lilac, violets and crushed limestone. The tannins are present and well integrated. Carlo Ferrini's Brunello promises a long ageing period." Wine Advocate

"The nose brings an umami sanguinity, with notes of tar, petrol and soil, but undertones of black cherries and blackberries make those aromas invigorating rather than harsh. The fruit ripens on the palate, but a slow-developing, spiced earthiness works with deliberate tannins and latent acid to maintain propriety." Wine Enthusiast

"The great project of the Ferrini family from Sant'Angelo in Colle, a Brunello characterised by constant excellence. Intense on the nose, with aromas of cranberry, fresh pepper leaf and blood orange peel, with earthy notes. Spicy sip, fruity and citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Luce Brunello has been one of the icons in the large portfolio of Frescobaldi wines from Tuscany for years. The 2019 edition opens with great power and determination with ripe fruit flavours of blackberries and candied cherries. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and very harmonious thanks to the bright acidity and the overall quality of the primary fruit flavours of this excellent vintage. The tannins are well woven into the full-bodied density of the wine. Be sure to aerate or, better still, leave to mature for a few years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, undergrowth and lilac; round, dense and with verve on the palate, racy tannins, combines juice and mineral character, fine tartness on the final. A successful blend of elegant juiciness and full-bodied substance." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with lots of fleshy plum and blackberry fruit, plus rose petals and tobacco spice. Rich and juicy in the attack and on the palate, shows wonderfully integrated tannins, opens up in many layers, with a delicate minty final." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with a light, brick-coloured rim. Complex, spicy-minty oak with firm cherry fruit underneath. Lots of youthful, tangy cherry fruit with a deep layer of chewy tannins. Very complete and beautiful." Jancis Robinson

"The Tenuta Luce 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a good amount of oak spice with campfire ash, forest floor, dried cherry, cassis, rye bread and something floral like hydrangea or pressed roses. There is also a balsamic note with sambuca or aniseed. It is a medium to full-bodied Brunello with flavours of dried fruit and a considerable alcohol content of 15% on the long finish." Wine Advocate

"This ripe and opulent red wine is packed with flavours of black cherries, blackberries and plums and captures your attention from the first sip. Vibrant and solidly built, with notes of wild thyme, earth and sweet spices, it shows excellent balance and length and remains fresh and juicy on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Another intense year for the Brunello from Tenuta Luce. Elegance and spiciness on the nose, with notes of cranberry, peony and a hint of chinotto, with a hint of cinnamon on the finish. Salty on the palate, with hints of blueberries and floral notes." Luca Gardini

"Black cherries and blueberries with undertones of walnut and lavender. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and caress every inch of the palate. Fresh and lively. A wine for the cellar, but already fantastic to savour now." James Suckling

Tasting the different lots of Il Marroneto from the barrel is a fascinating task. The vines are all similarly situated at high altitude, on coarse sand of marine origin, and predominantly north-facing. While they have subtle differences, the distinct character of Madonna delle Grazie often merits a separate bottling - as the 2018 proves. The aromas take on the darkest, most heady purple florals, tangled in allspice and smoky incense. The wine is muscular with firm tannins that grip it tightly and don't let go, though it is never beefy, heavy or angular. At the moment it is still developing, but the finish already reveals a refined balsamic core and a spicy, salted plum. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear-cut and multi-faceted on the nose, noble appearance, shows a lot of herbaceous-floral spice, white pepper, rose and violet blossoms, but also sour cherry and wild berries, behind it a dazzling peppery-spicy backdrop reminiscent of exotic spices. On the palate, enormously complex and finesse-rich with delicate, crisp fruit, carried by finely meshed tannin and a fantastically integrated acidity, wonderfully animating with beautiful spiciness and spice on the final. Once again belongs to the absolute top wines of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, fine ruby red with a light rim. Extremely clear nose of ripe, dark cherries, rose petals and cloves, with some smoky notes in the background. On the palate, lots of sweet fruit, finely meshed tannin that is integrated into lots of melting, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. A little closed, but with great purity of fruit on the nose. Waves of concentrated, intense fruit on the palate. Supple, elegant and generous at the same time, it shows true cru quality. Fantastic tannins accompanying the fruit on the finish. A classic. Can be drunk now, but will continue to develop for some time." Jancis Robinson

"This wine has an array of red and dark fruits with coffee, dark chocolate, sweet spices and upturned earth. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and a distinct dark berry character on the palate. A little dense and textured, with a firm and long finish that leaves notes of nutshells and crushed stones. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"The single vineyard bottling of Il Marroneto is a selection of small, loose grapes, which manifests itself in the density of the fruit and the secure structure. Next to the winery's "classic" Brunello, it often shows a more earthy, autumnal face. The 2018 corresponds with scents of chestnut and undergrowth that combine with the fruity sweetness of the vintage. Long, suede-like layers of tannin envelop the fleshy black cherry. As the wine progresses, subtle traces of pepper, leather and incense emerge, suggesting more to come. Above all, Madonna delle Grazie embodies the most positive qualities of the vintage as it flows with agility and grace." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie takes time to open up in the glass. It is complex and seductive with its musky redcurrants and savoury spices, but also with a hint of roses. A hint of sweet smoke emerges and contrasts beautifully. Its textures are like liquid velvet, with a chalky mineral tinge that comes on quickly and is perfectly balanced by a massive wave of dark red berries; yet the balance is expertly maintained by a streamlined acidity that creates a sense of total internal harmony. The 2018 leaves a structured impression, yet its tannins are silky and fine, coupled with a finish of violet pastille and lavender that I find very attractive. Remarkably, I have tasted this wine for the past two years and have accompanied this current bottle for 48 hours, never faltering and only increasing in depth and complexity. Il Marroneto's 2018 Madonna delle Grazie is undoubtedly one of the three best wines of the vintage. I take my hat off to Alessandro Mori and his team." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie shows elegance and power in one go. The fruit quality is crisp and tangy, but the wine supports a medium-heavy concentration and a more elaborate style. This vintage of Il Marroneto has two personalities. On the one hand, you get a wine with beautiful primary fruit but a little more immediate, and on the other, a wine that promises good ageing thanks to its freshness and silky tannins that melt on the palate. It is young, but also mature. It is racy, but also complex." Wine Advocate

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello is more of a historical legacy than a vineyard. On the nose, notes of blackcurrant jam, with nuances of bay leaf and white pepper. The mouthfeel is dense and savoury, with a return of fruit and sweet spices. Persistent." Luca Gardini

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 is a fully impressive creation with a unique and interesting interpretation of this classic vintage. The wine is bold and bright, with great intensity that accompanies it from start to finish. Dark cherry and blackberry flavours stand in balanced contrast to layers of spice, cumin and cardamom. Despite its intensity and richness, this Riserva is very balanced and never oversteps its bounds. The same applies to the mouthfeel. On the palate, it offers a dense, rich texture with complex fruit flavours and bright acidity. The 2019 vintage is once again an exceptional wine from this incredibly ambitious winery! SUPERIORE.DE

"Among the wineries that do not produce a Riserva in every vintage, Gianni Brunelli's last release was in 2016. While it embodies the depth and classicism of that vintage, this 2019 plays with the expressiveness and elegance of the vintage. The aromas of lavender and cherry blossom against a backdrop of dry, sun-drenched earth are wonderfully clear. The palate is equally perfumed, with accents of fennel and tarragon, and the juicy acidity underlines the sheer wealth of flavour. The wine has a fine, almost delicate structure, yet is persistent and long-lasting." Decanter

"A hint of white smoke and sweet sage gives way to minty black cherries and a hint of balsamic spice as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 blossoms in the glass. It presents a sweet and sour sensation that washes over the palate with a soft and supple texture, while ripe wild berries are lapped up by brilliant acidity. A hint of tart citrus embellishes the finish. The 2019 finishes long but structured and intense, leaving a saturation of blackberries and a savoury herbal aftertaste. This is an exceptionally refined and graceful Riserva from Gianni Brunelli. Fantastic." Vinous

"Like some of the best wines, this is characterised by bright fruit and drinkability, but also has tremendous structure and potential for the long haul. On the nose, it shines with youthfulness, showing telltale raspberry freshness with smoky, woody and liquorice depth. The attack is full-bodied with elegant, dense, velvety tannins, structured and refined. The finish is crisp, long and very polished despite the frame. The best wine that has ever come from here." James Suckling

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wonderfully intense and rich expression of Sangiovese. Only 3,600 bottles and some larger formats were produced. The wine is skilfully played with hydrated tannins, powerful fruit flavours and a long finish. This epic wine follows in the footsteps of the 2016 vintage. This winery does an excellent job of combining power and elegance in perfect harmony and balance." Wine Advocate

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5-hectare "La Magia" vineyard, which has mineral and calcareous soils. Only just under 3,000 bottles are bottled. It offers a more robust style and a stronger aromatic intensity than the Annata. Bright red with an amber-coloured rim. On the nose, round notes of walnut shells, roasted hazelnuts and linseed, as well as red plums, pomegranate seeds and green olives. Traces of incense and cardamom in the background. Full-bodied, lively tannins on the palate, with hints of red berries and flowers leading to an intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense red; inviting fruit and gum notes; round, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of good tannin, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Nose of blackberries and tobacco; the attack is pithy, the tannins powerful, has race and polish." Vinum

"Attractive bouquet with wonderfully crisp red berry fruit, raspberry, fragolino, tobacco. Juicy in the mouth, clearly red-fruity, fine tannins, good freshness, crisp, fresh style, fine tannic grip, elegant and powerful, long, fresh, mineral final." Weinwisser

"Clear, bright ruby red colour. Mint, blackberry and juicy cherry on the nose, with a hint of candle wax, reminiscent of fresh honey, complex and inviting. Compact on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and fine pressure, constantly juicy again, also slightly salty hints, great harmony." Falstaff

"The organic Camigliano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso shows plenty of ripe fruit with dark plums, prunes and blackcurrants. It also shows notes of smoked tobacco and cigar box. The difference between this wine and the village bottling is that the Paesaggio Inatteso matures a little longer in oak (30 months instead of 24 months) and the oak barrels are smaller (25 hectolitres instead of 60 hectolitres). A medium-heavy mouthfeel ends with still dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"This version has it all, from the cherry, plum, earth and iron aromas and flavours to the well-integrated structure and long aftertaste. Fresh, supple and powerful, it shows finesse with a lingering mineral element on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant and vibrant red fruits of cranberry, red cherry and potpourri, followed by dried rosemary and pleasant orange peel that enhance the experience. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and firm but soft tannins. Pure and elegant. Needs time." James Suckling

In the past, the northern slope of Montalcino was not planted with vines, but was cultivated with cereals, olives and cherries. In this area influenced by the Apennines, the seasons are more pronounced, continental and the north wind significantly lowers the temperature in winter. It is therefore the coldest Brunello region at this time of year, but also the wettest. This northern slope is a gentle hill: a characteristic that is more reminiscent of the Crete Senesi area, right next door, than the two stiffer, steeper and warmer southern slopes of Montalcino.

Due to the climate and the origin of the soil, the grapes in this area of Montalcino are harvested last every year. Vigna del Lago is the vineyard that welcomes all visitors travelling from the north of Montalcino. It takes its name from the lake that surrounds it and which plays a fundamental role in the microclimate of the area; the soil is a constant alternation between clay and strips of very fine Galestro.

Vigna del Lago is a historic cru from the Val di Suga winery, it is an old-school Brunello, from the times before the arrival of barriques and technology. An authentic product that is enjoying increasing demand. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio, which is aged in new Liters French barriques, this wine matures in large 30 and 50-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. It is a wine with a low alcohol content, light orange-ruby colour, with very fine and almost imperceptible tannins, with a floral nose of citrus notes, myrtle and fresh cherries. It is a Brunello of great richness and balance and also has a very pleasant lightness, well-contoured acidity and a salty, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Spicy nose of cypress, herbs and red berries, with fine earthy, stony notes. Beautiful juiciness on the palate, clear fruit and tightly woven tannins, cool, with an appealing feel, beautiful salinity on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is dark and brooding, with a delicate blend of ashen stones and grilled herbs that segue into dried black cherries. This wine is silky and enveloping, with fresh acidity and vibrant, ripe wild berry flavours that cascade. Lively acidity keeps the energy high, while the 2019 finishes long and spotty but surprisingly juicy, leaving hints of violet pastille over a bed of fine-grained tannins." Vinous

"A delicate style with aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and stony minerals. Subliminally savoury, with light, powdery tannins that cling to the palate on the long, loamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vigna del Lago, which surrounds the Val di Suga wine cellar in the north-east of Montalcino, is cooled by northerly winds and bordered by cypress trees. The vines are planted at an altitude of 280 metres on clay soil. This bottling is aged in 40-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. The wine is light, dense and still slightly reduced at the moment, opening up with dark cherries and alpine herbs. The fine-boned frame contains cranberries and redcurrants with traces of blood orange and forest roots. Vertical tannins occupy the mid-palate, and the finish is carried by lively, citrusy acidity. This austerity says: wait!" Decanter

"Smells of subtle fruits and flowers with cedar and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. All about beautiful, perfectly ripe fruit with an undertone of citrus blossom. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Notes of dogwood on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and a touch of gardenia. Spicy on the palate, with balsamic and floral notes." Luca Gardini

Pianrosso comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 m with mainly Galestro soils. It opens the pleasure cinema with a rich, sparkling garnet red. The bouquet is seductive and deep with hints of dark and black fruits, sage, rose petals and violets. On the palate, there is a distinct salty-fresh minerality, which soon enters into a wonderful harmony with the fine-grained tannins and the perfectly layered fruit, leading the wine powerfully with optimal balance into a soft, hardly ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant wine that smells of berries, leather and tobacco; the tannins finely chiselled yet long-lasting, the acidity well integrated, the finish seductively long on notes of ripe forest fruits and balsamic notes. Of Burgundian elegance." Vinum

"The Cru wine is a selection of the best vines and is also one of the best Brunelli this year. The wines benefit from well-draining Galestro soils. Immensely complex and multi-faceted, it beguiles with redcurrants, fresh ethereal spicy notes reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs, plus mineral-salty hints as well as floral nuances (rose petals, violet blossoms). Finesse-rich palate with fresh, juicy fruit, very cleverly arranged, skilfully framed by fine polished, noble tannin, very elegant style, with ethereal spicy notes on the long final." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of wild raspberries, ripe, small plums, some cardamom and rose petals. Round and supple on the attack, showing plenty of sweet melt, lots of raspberry, opens up on the back end with fine meshed, slightly grippy tannin, savoury, slight bitterness on the final." Falstaff

Both 2018 wines from Ciacci Piccolomini offer a "deliciousness" of flavour and a true Umami quality, but the Pianrosso selection offers greater Brunello satisfaction. This not quite 12 hectare, iron-rich marl vineyard has had just enough warmth to make its southern origins clear. It has more shape, form and depth that give it staying power. Iron and salty minerals emerge against a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. The soft, sandy tannins are smooth and yielding, giving the wine a complex texture and immediate drinkability." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass with dark aromas of crushed plums and black cherries, accompanied by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peel and a hint of cocoa. This is a particularly racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cool mineral tones and zesty acidity driving the ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. Although structured, it finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving a bitter hint of balsamic spice in the mouth. The 2018 may not have the power often associated with Pianrosso, but it impresses with its lively and spicy character." Vinous

"A complex red wine with dark, spicy notes of liquorice, eucalyptus and tobacco that combine with cherry and berry flavours. Juicy, with a slightly viscous texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino produces beautiful results if you choose to drink it now, or if you cellar it a little longer. It offers immediate intensity and complexity with a red and purple berry fruit attack that follows tarry spices, campfire ash, liquorice and rusty nails. These savoy tones are balanced with the wine's elegant, medium-weight finish. And the tannins are seamlessly integrated. The winemaking team has done a good job in a difficult vintage." Wine Advocate

"This wine is so complex, with citrus and herbal notes lifting the blue and red berry fruits. Thyme, sage and lavender, but also mocha and clove. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm but seamless tannins. Develops into espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"A certainty of appellation for the Bianchini family vineyard, just a few steps from Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Very multi-faceted nose, redcurrant, then marjoram and iodine touches, like Taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy, with a fruity-officinal finish and very long reverberation." Luca Gardini

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way.

Expressive and full of character, the 2019 vintage shows concentration and structure with notes of red plums, wild strawberries, cedar pieces, mandarin juice, lemon peel, chopped ginger and celery. Wild thyme and marjoram form the background, but it is the character of fresh cherries, rose petals and grapefruit that gives the range grace and authenticity. Medium-bodied, perfectly ripe tannins of commendable beauty and an honest, subtle, enveloping finish. Exciting in the sip, you want to drink it, drink it and drink it again. Elegance and perfection - a divine wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carlo Ferrini's Brunello has long been one of the top wines of the appellation. Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, has created his own masterpiece here. Complex bouquet, elegant, full of finesse with a subtle souplesse. A marvellous liaison of floral notes and rather red berry fruits is revealed: red plum, red currant and pomegranate, a touch of orange. You can already sense the freshness and that it was harvested à point. Everything is very complex and interwoven with fine Sangiovese fruit. Very precise and yet intense, with a creamy, melting body and silky tannins, it continues on the palate, very distinguished and noble." Weinwisser

"Bright, elegant ruby violet colour. The nose is expressive, inviting, with rich fruit, deep cherry, blood orange, a hint of ripe raspberry, rosehip, very complex and inviting, high elegance, Burgundian. Juicy on the palate, polished, with clear fruit, harmonious, comes in many layers, enormous elegance and finesse, juicy and with excellent drinking flow." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is hauntingly dark, with a cascade of dried violets, black cherries and cedar shavings complicated by hints of ash. It's velvety in feel yet cool-toned and spry, with radiant red berry fruits that ride a stream of vibrant acidity. While structured, its tannins are beautifully contoured, soft and round. The 2019 leaves a pleasantly bitter tinge of tart cranberry that tugs at the cheeks. This is a gorgeous performance and a new benchmark for Giodo." Vinous

"An exuberant red with vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit that is pure and tangy thanks to the lively acidity, while mineral and herbaceous accents add depth on the finish. This wine is also structured, with well-integrated tannins that sneak into the firm, lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage, which was harvested in mid-September, is Giodo's 11th release - and the best yet. It seduces with breathtaking aromas of gardenia, pimento flowers and strawberries, accompanied by fennel and subtle wood smoke. This immediate appeal is amplified on the palate, where the flavours linger in the mouth - it's like biting into the freshest persimmon. Crisp yet lush with deep substance, the finely powdered, gracefully assertive tannins give the wine shape, while blood orange permeates the long finish." Decanter

"This wine comes from a three-hectare plot with 19-year-old vines that are obsessively tended and cared for. This amphitheatre-shaped parcel called La Poderina is located deep in the forest on a steep slope with a view of Monte Amiata in the distance. The soils are white in colour and contain a lot of rock. This wine is of great depth and dimension, with vibrant energy, elegant balsamic notes and sweet ripe fruit. The medium-bodied fruit is well balanced with the wine's acidity and fine tannins. It finishes with floral notes of violets and iris." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cedar wood, earth, tree bark, fruit tea, black tea and cherries. Then fresh and dried flowers come in. Medium to full body that grows on the palate, with excellent fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is structured and powerful with great length. The balance between acidity and tannin is incredible. Very clear and transparent. What a wine. Drinkable, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"Taut and clean on the nose, with fine aromas of red plum, a hint of peony, salty nuances and a hint of black olive, with balsamic and medicinal herbs on the finish. The flavour is rich and elegant, with tannins that blend well with the fresh, spicy component. The finish is slightly citrusy, a great personality." Luca Gardini