Brunello di Montalcino

Score

94

"Lovely depth of fruit to this young Brunello with tile and tar undertones, as well as bark. It’s full-bodied and layered with soft tannins. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2022."

Score

90

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty and sweetly spiced effort that places purity and balanced ripeness above all else. Dusty cherry and flowery perfumes are complemented by notes of cinnamon, cedar and a grounding hint of undergrowth. It’s silky yet lifted, seeming even juicy at times, while ushering in red fruits laced with candied citrus. Mint leaf and hints of tobacco linger through the youthfully tannic finale, along with a subtle hint of heat. The 2016 comes across as front-loaded and ready to please, but it needs a few years in the cellar to come fully into focus."

Score

95

"Dark-cherry and floral aromas with citrus and dried-lavender undertones. Full body and firm,chewy tannins with a solid structure and length. Needs time to soften and come together. Better after 2021."

Score

93

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini is fruit-forward and a bit extroverted yet impossible to ignore. It boasts a striking mix with intense raspberry preserves, exotic spices and dusty dried florals. Its textures are soft and fleshy, creating a creamy feel to its radiant, ripe fruit profile, while maintaining balance through brisk acids and grippy tannins. The 2015 Gemini takes a turn toward austerity, finishing structured and grippy; yet through it all, sweet violet florals resonate. This may be a full-throttle and extroverted effort, but it’s well balanced and sure to have a lot of fans. Important to note that this was checked in on, and held up beautifully over the course of three days."

Score

92

"La Serena's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a soft and modern wine from this beautiful appellation in southern Tuscany. The bouquet offers a medley of ripe fruit, sweet spice, espresso and a touch of bitter chocolate. The presentation here is supple and smooth. Like many of its peers made in the cooler 2013 vintage, the wine tapers out in terms of volume and texture once it hits the palate. The effect here is more downplayed, elegant and streamlined overall."

Score

93

"This is full of licorice, tar and leather aromas and flavors, along with accents of chocolate and spice. Solidly built, with a dense matrix of tannins and lively acidity. The flavors return on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2037. 2,200 cases made, 1,000 cases imported."

Score

93

"Intense aromas of kirsch liqueur and dried red berries with a meaty edge, leading to a palate with succulent and compressed tannins, carrying long, fresh plum and cherry flavors. Drink or hold."