Brunello di Montalcino

Score

93

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is dark, rich and seductive from the first tilt of the glass. Here I find a mix of black cherry and crushed plums complemented by notes of cinnamon, clove and violet florals. This is silky yet savory, with a dense core of tart blackberry neatly wrapped in a web of salty minerals and fine tannins. In spite of its structure and weight, the 2016 from La Colombina maintains freshness and energy throughout, sometimes seeming more like food than wine through a sense of umami that starts on the palate and lingers throughout the long finish."

Score

93

"La Colombina's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino takes a classic approach with a fine texture and a steady delivery of aromas that grow cautiously in intensity the longer the wine sits in the glass. This Brunello is stitched together carefully with wild and forest fruit aromas that segue to pressed blue flower, spice and light balsam herb. Released five years after the harvest, according to the Brunello appellation rules, this wine has had the time to integrate and smooth out. There are no hard edges here, and the mouthfeel is silky and polished. This is a classic expression of Brunello that ages in oak for 36 months. Some 17,000 bottles were released in January 2020."

Score

93

"Earthy truffles and porcini mushrooms on the nose here. Dried herbs and leather, too. It’s full-bodied with delicious dried cherries, blackberries and mushrooms. Wonderful depth, framed by sleek, fine tannins. A little tight now. Give it a little more time. Drink from 2023."

Score

89

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and rich, showing crushed black cherries, complemented by notes of sweet herbs, brown sugar, and ginger, as hints of peppery florals develope in the glass. Velvety textures coast effortlessly across the senses, delivering notes of tart cherry, spice and minerals, as sweet inner florals resonate throughout. The 2015 finishes long and spicy. A hint of heat, as dusty spices and inner florals linger over palate-staining acids and fine tannin."

Score

92

"La Colombina's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a fleshy and complete expression of Sangiovese that shows staying power and balanced intensity. This wine would pair perfectly next to grilled meats or homemade pasta with game sauce (like wild boar or rabbit). I like the smooth intensity displayed by this wine as it glides cleanly over the palate. Some 25,000 bottles were produced."

Score

91

"Rich, evoking cherry, plum, licorice and savory, saline aromas and flavors. Shows moderate density midpalate, finishing with a tight grain to the tannins and savory length. Best from 2020 through 2035. 2,080 cases made, 500 cases imported."

Score

91

"At once ripe and fresh, this is a juicy and elegant Brunello that's easy to drink right away. Rather long and very clean finish. Drink now or hold."

Score

90

"Bright medium ruby. Blackberry and blueberry are accented by licorice and smoked beef on the nose. Densely packed and savory, if a bit youthfully chunky and unrefined. The chewy, rather powerful tannins avoid coming off as dry, but I'd still hold this wine for at least five years before popping the cork. This big, strapping Brunello comes across as very savory and broad, rather than floral and focused, and will appeal most to those who prefer their Sangiovese wines on the muscular and herbal side. "