Wines from Tuscany | Montalcino

Here is another outstanding 2019 Brunello from a winery that is still considered an insider tip given its small size and limited annual production. Medium, bright ruby red colour. Exotic aromas of minerals and citrus fruits, reminiscent of red cherries, blood oranges and Asian spices, with a floral nuance that gains strength with air. The palate is supple and expansive, with sweet flavours of red cherries and dark plums carried by a powerful acidity. Densely packed, at once fleshy and broad, but also lively and precise. On the strikingly long finish, it shows excellent power and cut, characterised by youthful, dusty tannins and a hint of candied violets. As is so often the case, this is one of the best Brunellos of the vintage and still completely under the radar of many Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense fruity bouquet, ripe red fruit, coffee. Juicy, creamy, dense, modern, intense, concentrated, creamy frame, warm final." Weinwisser

"The Brunello is made from the oldest vines, a single vineyard of one hectare planted in 1992. The warmth of south-east Montalcino is perceived in the aromas of Mediterranean shrubs and macerated cherries. A hint of nutmeg and iron gives the wine an added flavour. A full, shapely and enveloping Brunello that finds balance and lightness in its generous proportions. On the palate, it reveals a wonderful purity of black and redcurrants, and the compact, powdery tannins leave a clean finish. The final shows intense orange flavours." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is simply stunning. It rises from the glass with a bouquet that combines minty herbs and hints of cocoa with sweet spices and blackberries. The palate is lapped by a texture of pure silk, introducing waves of polished red fruits and oranges, while rosy, floral notes build towards the finish. Although tannic and classically dry, the 2019 retains a lovely inner freshness, leaving a pleasant bitter tang and salty liquorice notes that slowly fade away. This is a fabulous result from Sesta di Sopra and an excellent representation of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate terroir." Vinous

"Subtle and refined on the nose with fresh flowers, sweet berries, orange peel and red cherries. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Racy and focused with finesse and drive." James Suckling

"The Sesta di Sopra 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a fresh fruit profile, with cherry and plum taking centre stage. There is a large fruit component here and an equally large oak component. It matures in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. The wine has warm fruit and oak tannins that give the wine a bold and edgy profile. Around 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is profound, tantalising the senses with a blend of black cherries, wild berries and savoury herbs before evolving with hints of Tuscan dust and dried flowers. It is vibrant, bright and tangy, with brilliant acidity and a wave of bright red berry fruit that pours over the palate, leaving a hint of minerality towards the finish. A hint of liquorice mingles with blood orange and exotic spices as the 2020 finishes long and powerful, yet remarkably fresh." Vinous

"Fresh style with lively red cherries and violets as well as liquorice, tar and some blood orange. Graceful, full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and integrated, refreshing acidity. Very good fruit concentration. Elegance and grace. Already ready to drink and with potential for further ageing." James Suckling

Helichrysum is a selection of the best grapes from the estate's highest parcel, where the soils are both clayey and of volcanic origin. It opens full-bodied and concentrated in the glass. On the palate, it has both spice and a multi-layered blend of red and black berries, which become more and more exciting towards the end. The somewhat darker and more velvety side of Sangiovese is wonderfully emphasised here, and thanks to its fresh acidity and tannin structure, it ideally presents all facets of the Tuscan flagship grape variety. Finally, traces of lavender, blackberries and a hint of salty liquorice linger on the dark and dramatic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, concentrated bouquet, ripe dark cherries, Amarena cherries, blue berries, lavender, overripe. Juicy, gripping palate with mineral pressure in the mid-palate, very well-developed tannins, very precise and powerfully arranged. I really like the tightly woven final with floral-spicy notes and dark red berry fruit." Weinwisser

"Very dark, almost impenetrable ruby red colour. Brooding dark fruit on the nose, which is still very closed and only hints at sour cherry. Increasingly complex with air, with exotic spice and cherry notes. Lots of sweet and sour cherry and raspberry fruit with gripping tannins that give it tension. Lots of juice and fruit intensity without being heavy. A real firecracker, but not yet ripe." Jancis Robinson

"A cooling, mentholated freshness introduces the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum as flavours of black cherry, clove and dusty rose unfold in the glass. The Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum is a paragon of purity and elegance, with a texture of pure silk and a depth of ripe wild berry flavours carried by a wave of vibrant acidity. The 2019 finishes incredibly long, structured and classically dry, but still fresh, leaving a saturation of red plum and liquorice under a floral air inside. The depth and concentration are unrivalled, while the helichrysum holds its power in reserve. Be patient with this wine. In a word: fantastic." Vinous

"With an unobstructed view of Monte Amiata in the south-east of Montalcino, the Helichrysum vineyards are characterised by dry, stony soils, winds from the Sahara and large temperature differences between day and night. Although the 2019 has the characteristic aroma of the vintage - and this location - it distributes it with measured precision. The subtle progression leads from camomile, liquorice and fennel to cocoa and tobacco. The palate is taut, compact and concentrated, but never heavy. A background of dark red cherries is interspersed with exotic spices, while tactile tannins envelop the core with a terracotta-like grip. Tuck this wine away for a few years." Decanter

"Lots of bark, wild flowers, black cherries, blackberries and baking spices on the nose. Full-bodied with layers of gorgeous tannins that coat the mouth and give a tantalising silky texture that is irresistible. Juicy finish." James Suckling

Helichrysum is a selection of the best grapes from the highest parcel of the estate, where the soils are both clayey and of volcanic origin.

Exotic, spicy, seductive and sensual - these are just some of the words that come to mind when you think of the bouquet of Helichrysum 2020. Sour cherries mingle with mint, sage, cedar dust and white smoke to create a seductive spectacle. The texture is velvety with ripe, polished fruit that seems to come in waves, building more and more tension each time, while minerals and fine tannins slowly saturate. The sheer density almost masks its structural strength, which is not to say that it lacks balance, as the wine already presents itself to us in perfect and concentrated form. Traces of lavender, blackberries and a hint of liquorice appear on the broodingand dramatic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum 2020 opens with a spicy bouquet that blends potpourri with incense, cedar and dried black cherries. It is juicy, with a round texture and ripe red and blue fruits that slowly saturate the palate with a primary concentration. Bold tannins resonate, giving the 2020 a youthful grip as it tapers off with juicy length and a tart blackberry flavour." Vinous

"The 2020 edition of Helichrysum has a stealthy scent of lavender, aniseed and allspice, reminiscent of the Mediterranean climes of San Polino. More streamlined than lush, it expands and simmers with flavours of sandalwood and zesty sumac berry. The admirable depth promises even more, while the suede tannins hold on resolutely." Decanter

"This wine is very aromatic with flavours of raspberries, orange peel and violets. It is medium-bodied and very fresh with refined tannins that are long and warm. Crisp and beautiful for this vintage." James Suckling

Caparzos Riserva 2019 is a big, powerful wine that needs at least a few years to mature. Dark and brooding, this Riserva shows the more masculine side of Sangiovese. Black cherry, plum, leather, spices and tobacco lie on a firm beam of acidity and tannin. This red has the explosive energy and finesse of the dream vintage 2019 and it will take some time to mature until all the facets of this highly personal wine come together - but as always with top wines: patience is rewarded! SUPERIORE.DE

"Still youthfully restrained, the nose flirts with cedar, leather and heather, then the palate changes gear with its overtly powerful drive of substantial yet sophisticated chalky tannins and brisk acidity. By comparison, subtle flavours of wet stone and polished red cherry seem polite and tame for the time being. This will need time to develop into its full expression." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens with a mentholated freshness, blending crushed rocks and mint with hints of tobacco, flowery underbrush and dried black cherries. Silken and serene, this displays notable weight and concentration while maintaining freshness. Waves of texturally ripe wild berry fruits. and fine-grained tannins cake the senses. The 2019 finishes with dramatic length and structure, leaving a tinge of licorice to linger on." Vinous

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins. There is a hint of concentrated fruit sourness (and sweetness too, from the grape skins) that will subside as this takes on more age in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"Restrained, vibrant and fruity riserva with red cherries and raspberries, potpourri and even incense. Medium- to full-bodied with leafy flavor, velvety and ripe tannins yet chewy acidity and a chalky finish. Good blood-orange aftertaste. Better in two or three years but already so delicious." James Suckling

Giacomo Neri's Pietradonice is Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest level and has become a legend, as there is hardly a wine in Montalcino that can even come close to it. Monumental and very concentrated, with hints of sour cherries and a fine cedar and liquorice note. The exciting thing: Pietradonice is clearly recognisable as a Montalcino growth and yet, with its herbaceous spiciness, it is just as typical of Neri as it is of the grape variety and thus again as if from another larger world. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Pietradonice, a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the south-east of Montalcino, is dark as it grumbles up from the glass, showing dusty rose, currents, cherries and smoke. This is velvety in feel yet wonderfully lifted and fresh, steadily building in tannic heft yet packed full of graphite-like mineral-tinged black fruits and dark inner florals. A hint of sour citrus keeps you coming back for more even as the Pietradonice flexes its structural heft. Give the 2018 five to seven years before attempting to enjoy the full potential buried within." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, mushroom, earth and five spice. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Chewy and structured on the palate with a chalky texture. Balanced, layered and well defined. Long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023." James Suckling

Bright red colour. Sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla complement the aromas of dark red and black cherries on the fresh, sexy nose. Lively, juicy and sweet on the palate, but with a tactile mouthfeel and spicy flavours of red cherries, herbs and sassafras. The youthful, crisp finish, which emphasises notable but polished oak nuances, is pleasantly persistent. A real plus point is the balance of this wine, it is a spicy, well-structured Rosso on a clear Brunello level and a real beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"Crushed stones, wild strawberries and dusty dried flowers form a seductive bouquet when the Rosso di Montalcino 2020 opens in the glass. It is elegant and feminine in style, with soft textures and ripe red fruits, while chalky tannins build towards the finish. The 2020 tapers off grippy, but with a hint of residual acidity. The orange flavours retain a lovely freshness. The Rosso from Pian dell'Orino is one of the top performers year after year." Vinous

"The Pian dell'Orino 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is an open-knit expression with a friendly and accessible side. It delivers balanced freshness against a firm structural backbone, and both contribute to the wine's general brightness and richness." Wine Advocate

Anyone looking for the truth in Sangiovese will find it here: Laura Brunelli's Montalcino has been a stunning wine full of vitality, life and energy for years. It displays an almost outrageous degree of clarity and openness. It unfolds brightly and radiantly with lasting purity, elegance and length. This Brunello shows extreme precision and focus, both on the nose and in the mouthfeel. Wild berries, blue flowers and liquorice come together in perfection, and it is impossible to surpass this quality at this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Cardamom and morocco-leather hints and iodine, minerally notes on the nose. Compact, youthful cherry-fruit palate with delicious chewy tannins taking the lead on the aromatic fruit finish. Great potential." Jancis Robinson

"Due to the high temperatures and dry conditions, Laura Brunelli says that quantities were even lower than the estate's already modest average yields. For this reason, she decided to forgo a Riserva in 2020, using the best of the production for this bottling. It exemplifies the beautiful floral character of the vintage, as scents of lavender and plum blossom leap from the glass. Exotic spice, cinchona and bitter orange contribute complexity on the palate, which reveals the summer’s warmth with seductive ripeness and yielding structure. It finishes with a gentle tug of talc-like tannins and some welcome tension." Decanter

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino entices with a seductive bouquet of crushed cherries and strawberries elevated by hints of mint, cedar and saddle leather. This is a more graceful and elegant style, with medium-bodied textures and pure wild berry fruit notes that ride a wave of brisk acidity. The 2020 echoes with nuances of licorice and blue and purple inner florals while leaving a subtle coating of fine tannins that frame the experience quite nicely." Vinous

"Balsamic and complex profile to this wine. The nose exudes dried flowers, licorice, raspberries and redcurrants. Very crisp and juicy, with full body and bony, chalky tannins due to its youth. Yet, it’s sweet and balanced on the finish. This needs a bit of time for better integration, yet it’s a gourmet wine with very good substance for the long haul." James Suckling

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is balanced, finely textured and shows smooth consistency over the palate. There is a lot of life in this vibrant Brunello. Red and purple fruits segue to sweet earth and iris root. I especially love the mouthfeel achieved here. It's that combination of richness and extreme silkiness that sets it apart." Wine Advocate

Pian dell'Orino's Rosso di Montalcino 2021 impresses with bright and crisp fruit that is impossible to resist. If a Rosso can taste this good, we can look forward to great things when the 2021 Brunello wines come onto the market. The fruit is bright, firm and pure. Wonderfully tactile mouthfeel with spicy flavours of red cherries, herbs and sassafras. The youthful, crisp finish, which highlights notable but polished oak nuances, is pleasantly persistent. A real plus point is the balance of this wine, it is an absolute beauty. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pian dell'Orino 2021 Rosso di Montalcino is very concentrated and precise. At this young stage, it is still a little closed, but this quality gives us even more confidence in its successful development in the bottle. The fruit comes from different vineyard parcels. There is a hint of green, which should disappear with time, and the wine shows tart cherry fruit, rye bread and a hint of red beer." Wine Advocate

"Bottled just a fortnight ago, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino presents itself in the glass with a lovely blend of cedar spices, dried cherries and hints of sage. It is cool and racy in flavour, with crisp red berry fruit and exotic spices that blossom towards the end. It leaves a layer of fine tannins and a pleasing sense of chewiness as it tapers off with ample length and concentration. The 2021 is incredibly young and still a little closed, but it is full of potential." Vinous

The winery's first Riserva is produced from a selection of two plots at the highest altitudes on the estate (450 metres). The steep, south-facing plots lie on stony, ferrous soils. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting notes of small forest fruits and flowers, mushrooms and undergrowth; compact on the palate, the tannins fine-grained, supported by the acidity, ends long on notes of red berries, balsamic, harmonious." Vinum

"Aged in 30 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels, this debut vintage is extroverted and vibrant, with aromas of sweet herbs, ginger, tobacco and dried orange peel. The palate is ripe and full-bodied with juicy red and blackcurrant flavours, supported by youthful and robust, yet supple and approachable tannins. 7,000 bottles were produced." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte Riserva 2018 shows a completely different intensity with dried cherries, raspberry jam, redcurrants and Red Delicious apple. The wine is very generous and densely packed in terms of flavours. The tannins are fine and chalky, but definitely on the more approachable side of the spectrum for a Brunello Riserva." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ugolforte has gained a hauntingly dark presence, perfumed with dusty rose, violet, crushed rock, black cherry and spice. Cool-toned and sleek, it displays textures of pure silk, with crisp red fruits accentuated by autumnal spices as chalky minerals saturate toward the close. It tapers off grippy and long, tannic yet not severe, with a resonance of licorice and currant that fades slowly." Vinous

"This round red wine with flavours of cherries, strawberries, iron and tobacco is intense and elegant, with a dense tannin matrix and a lively acidity that accompanies it to a long, detailed aftertaste. A harmonious wine that should develop well." Wine Spectator

"Very intense nose of lemon leaves, rosebuds and pomegranates. The freshness is supported by a soft palate with a full body, crisp acidity and dense, velvety tannins of great ripeness. Refined, flavoursome and lively on the finish." James Suckling

Fuligni's 2019 Brunello shows balance and symmetry with plenty of primary vigour to ensure longevity in the cellar. The bouquet opens with dark plums, dried raspberries, spices, aniseed and grilled herbs - especially lavender and rosemary. The palate is medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, with a complex weave of fruit, minerals and tannins. It is disempoweringly generous and has a subtle opulence, but never weighs down the palate. The powerful, refined tannins are finely powdered and the penetrating acidity radiates evenly but not obtrusively. Notes of liquorice, violets, blood orange and iron emerge at the end. Long-lasting and effortlessly confident, as you would expect from Fuligni! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasant appearance with a nose of black berries and flowers, also tobacco notes; powerful on the palate, the tannins robust, combines character with minerality and elegance. Can mature." Vinum

"Complex, deeply layered bouquet with dark cherry, earthy nuances, blue berries and a reassuringly cool vein. Super juicy palate, incredibly multi-layered with a very juicy vein, linear orientation, super spicy, vinified in the traditional style, lingers forever with herbal, dark fruity and floral notes. One of the best of the tasting!" Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Aromas of black cherries and blackberries on the nose, very clear, some plums, a hint of leather in the background. Firm, dense tannins, shows a lot of tension and pressure, dark berry fruit on the finish, great development potential." Falstaff

"Ripe, deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Slumbering nose with exotic spice notes on the nose. Still in its infancy, but polished with fine-grained tannins that need more time. Long, finely aromatic finish of cherries and raspberries. So supple and elegant and at the same time not unfocussed. Carries its 15 % effortlessly. Real substance, but not heavy." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, refreshing and complex, with flavours of cherry, plum, earth, leather and minerals. This red wine is lively, with notes of liquorice and tamarind. Best of all is the ripe fruit, supple texture and resonant tannins that extend to a white pepper finish." Wine Spectator

"The Fuligni 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is rich in dark fruit, balanced by spicy notes of tobacco leaf and cigar ash, and beautifully concentrated. After a short time, the bouquet reveals a floral intermezzo with dried rose petals and a tropical note of hibiscus. This wine shows many facets, all of which are very pleasant and work together. The tannins are dusty and finely structured with a hint of powdery cocoa on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a fragrant blend of dried roses, cherries, mint and lavender candy. On the palate, it is elegant and seamlessly silky, enveloping the senses with ripe red berry fruits contrasted by a bitter hint of cloves. A core of vibrant acidity provides a beautiful balance, while a web of fine tannins saturates the palate and leaves a pleasant sensation of chewiness. The 2019 is classic through and through." Vinous

"This historic and reliable winery does not disappoint in 2019. It is expressive rather than austere and will reveal more with time. But the flavours - a striking fusion of chestnut forest and polished wood with fennel and spiced plums - are already so enticing. It fills the mouth with glossy red berries and pressed violets, and after an initial caress, the tight-knit tannins intensify on the palate and remain balanced in volume. A complex and detailed wine with great depth." Decanter

"Perfumed with aromas of sweet berries, fresh flowers and cedar wood, leading to a medium-bodied palate with firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very noble and structured. Extremely long. Give it time to open up." James Suckling

"Orthodox in flavour and vinification, a Brunello of intensity and tension. Notes of pomegranate on the nose, with hints of eucalyptus and juniper, then lemon thyme on the finish. Salty, juicy tannins on the finish, with balsamic notes and pomegranate." Luca Gardini

Before Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired the Altesino estate, she bought Caparzo in 1998. The estate comprises 28 hectares dedicated to Brunello, and this estate bottling combines vineyards from four different areas with different sites and soils.

Dusty black cherries, crushed rocks and dried flowers form a classically inviting bouquet when Brunello di Montalcino 2020 opens in the glass. It has a soft texture with racy acidity driving the ripe red fruits on the palate, while chalky minerals and sweet spices mingle towards the finish. Finishes powerful and long with fine tannins while retaining a lovely freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Caparzo 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of fresh fruit with cherry and redcurrant to the fore. This vintage manages to offer us a very elegant and slender style. The flavours increase in volume over time, adding notes of blue flowers, roses and toasted coriander seeds. It finishes with a lean consistency, silky tannins and medium length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with a tantalising blend of crushed plums and wild berries, accented by lavender and floral notes of undergrowth. The wine displays a silky texture and airy feel, with tart red berry fruit accompanied by vibrant acidity, while a cascade of flowers swirl inside the wine. The 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and a blackberry tone as it finishes with wonderful length and concentration." Vinous

"A bright red colour with firm, integrated tannins that provide length and concentration. It has a medium body with citrus and berry character and excellent length. I like it now, but give it two or three years to show its full potential." James Suckling

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

In the glass, blackcurrants, cherries, smoky minerals, incense and savoury herbs create a beguiling spectacle. Velvety on the palate with an abundance of polished, violet-coloured fruit that moves across the palate with admirable density, leaving behind minerals and a saturation of fine tannins. Amore e Magia is youthful, monolithic and finishes structured with hints of tart berries, plum and tobacco in the background. This wine is not for Sangiovese purists, but there is plenty of crisp fruit, sour cherry and cranberry in this powerful, vibrant Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"From a vineyard at 300 metres above sea level: a multi-layered potpourri of aromas of stone fruit, berries, blood oranges and blossoms; compact structure, robust tannins, combines substance and freshness. Convinces with its noble construction." Vinum

"Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Amarena-cherry note with cinnamon and eucalyptus hints. Elegant and, at the same time, concentrated palate. Cherry and raspberry palate with a layer of finely ground tannins matching the elegant, aromatic fruit. Great lightness of touch." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Amore e Magia comes from the Castelnuovo dell'Abate area with unique white-clay soils. I can't think of anywhere else in the appellation with the same soil profile as this. The ground looks like powdery cement. The personality of this wine veers toward sunshine and openness. This wine's unique signature leans toward cherry liqueur, Recioto or raspberry rollup. The wine is rich in phenolics (you taste the texture of the grape skins), and the spicy tannins feel resolved but firm." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia opens with an intense blend of blood oranges, ground cloves, cinnamon sticks and crushed stone embellishing black cherries. Silken and sapid, this displays notable weight offset by zesty acidity as vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits swirl throughout. Edgy tannins tug at the cheeks as the 2020 finishes dramatically long and spicy with notes of violet pastille and a sensation of liquid stone. Nicely done." Vinous

Giacomo Neri's Pietradonice is Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest level and is now a legend, as there is hardly a wine in Montalcino that can even come close to equalling it. Monumental and very concentrated, with hints of sour cherries and a fine cedar wood and liquorice note. The exciting thing: Pietradonice is clearly recognisable as a Montalcino wine and yet, with its herbal and spicy character, it is as typical of Neri as it is of the grape variety and therefore seems to come from another larger world. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red in colour. Fine malty aromas on the nose, a hint of sardines, then very rich dark berry fruit. Very warm-hearted and powerful on the palate, opens on tightly woven, powerful tannins, blackcurrants and fine leather, firm pressure again on the final." Falstaff

"A distinctive red, with an opulent profile and complex, expressive flavors of black currant, blackberry, leather, mineral and spices, plus flashes of lavender and orange peel. Gains support from the muscular structure, with a long, spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Blackcurrant, hints of chocolate and black liquorice with violet undertones. Full-bodied with linear, firm tannins that give the wine tension and structure. Needs time to open up and soften. Best after 2025." James Suckling

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes, thus ensuring a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance. Ruby red in colour with garnet hues, it opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth; nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Cherry and tomato leaf on the nose, then a fine leather flavour. Good freshness and juicy fruit on the palate, shows firm body and pressure, accessible, delicately bitter on the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Compact and dense on the nose with notes of sweet raspberries and fresh mint. Lots of sweet raspberry fruit on the palate with a tangy acid nerve that runs through the fullness of the fruit. Firm but ripe and fine-grained tannins. A fairly rich wine, but one that will probably age well." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino exudes hints of wild berries, violet pastille and sweet smoke. This is a seductive effort with juicy acidity and vibrant red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Autumnal spices and dark chocolate slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2019 finishes long yet remarkably fresh with a hint of liquorice and slightly grippy tannins. The 2019 aims to please and will provide early satisfaction after a short stay in the cellar while the single-vineyard wines slowly mature." Vinous

"The Brunello from the Val di Suga vineyard is made up of equal parts from the Vigna del Lago vineyard in the north-east, Poggio al Granchio in the south-east and Vigna Spuntali in the south-west of Montalcino. The bright ruby red colour and youthful freshness are well preserved. Concentrated aromas of red cherry with a hint of pepper fade into deep violet and sweet earth. The medium-bodied palate is appealing and pure, offering layers of lush red berry and plump persimmon flavours underscored by juicy acidity. The sandy textured tannins are supple and yielding. Hard to resist." Decanter

"This lively red wine is smooth and harmonious, with strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant fruit flavours underpinned by mineral and wild herbal notes. Dusty tannins give it grip and texture on the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"A blend of three vineyards belonging to three different sides of the appellation. Durone di Vignola on the nose, a hint of lemon thyme and clementine peel. Juicy on the palate, with a hint of savoury and balsamic notes. Persistent." Luca Gardini

Talentis Riserva is a barrel selection that is aged for 36 months in a combination of 25 and 20 hectolitre oak barrels and a small amount in tonneaux. Pian di Conte 2019 is a classic, stately wine with lots of dark fruits, dried blackberries, spices, tobacco and mentholated herbs. The palate is polished and elegant with sweet plums, cherries and blackberries on the attack. These sweet fruit nuances are followed by spicy cedar wood and campfire flavours, as well as fine tannins and an almost endless depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Talenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Pian di Conte has a dark garnet red colour and is characterised by high concentration and a spicy fruit profile with cooked plums and dried tobacco. Sangiovese always has an earthy side with some pressed flowers, and you get those flavours here. It finishes with fine-meshed tannins that give it more accessibility overall." Wine Advocate

"The Riserva takes its name from the hamlet of Pian di Conte, where the winery is located, near Sant'Angelo in Colle. It is made from the oldest vineyards on the estate - three plots surrounding the wine cellar - and is another barrel selection from these vineyards. The wine is very expressive, with aromas of mint, tarragon and aniseed, reminiscent of the dusty, unpaved roads of the region. Subtle woody spices and cedar wood blend harmoniously. On the palate, it is juicy and tangy, with concentrated wild berries. Yet it is relatively light, perhaps due to the lively acidity and refined, seamless tannins." Decanter

"A restrained and floral wine with elegant, defined fruit. It shows cherries, raspberries and a lively, earthy minerality as well as cinnamon and rhubarb in the depths. On the palate, it is full-bodied and shines with brightness and clarity of flavour, fresh with crisp acidity and velvety tannins. Spicy. Drinkable now, but with great potential for the long haul." James Suckling

"The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Pian di Conte 2019 is intense, with a burst of split pine, cedar shavings, dried flowers and mentholated herbs forming its smoky bouquet. The palate is enveloped by a silky texture and ripe wild berries that take on a beautiful depth and flinty mineral concentration on the finish. Sweet tannins frame the experience, while the 2019 contrasts with a spicy hint of violet pastilles and tart cranberries on the finish. The 2019 still needs some cellaring time to develop, but it is a wonderful interpretation of the Pian di Conte." Vinous

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4-hectare vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the eastern side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard. Amore e Magia first impresses with its beauty in the glass: deep ruby with violet, fuchsia-coloured accents. The nose then reveals a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that is immediately captivating. We discover candied fruit, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine salinity and wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up with energy and flanks every sip right through to the multi-layered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Noble, elegant nose, delicate flavours of raspberries, dried tomatoes, undergrowth, ripe cherry on the finish. Very elegant in the mouth, with polished tannins and creamy fruit, well-balanced, keeps coming back, beautiful length and precision, good pressure and fine salt on the finish." Falstaff

"Showing maturing notes of mushroom and woodsy underbrush, this red also reveals ripe cherry, strawberry, almond, iron and sanguine flavors. Firm enough yet approachable, with fine overall balance and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia reminds me more of an exotic herbal tea than wine, as notes of incense and jasmine give way to spiced blood orange. This wine soothes with its silky texture and cool acidity. Ripe wild berries flatter the palate, contrasted by a hint of orange towards the end. On the finish, the tannins are grippy and edgy, providing a classic dry feel, while the tart cranberries fade beneath the rosy florals within. Patience is needed; this is a tight, young Brunello that shows off its southern roots." Vinous