Brunello di Montalcino

Score

96

"Inviting aromas of ripe wild berry, baking spice and Mediterranean herb are front and center along with a whiff of blue flower. Full bodied and vibrant, the savory palate features ripe Marasca cherry, star anise and nutmeg framed in noble tannins. Bright acidity provides freshness and balance. Give this time to fully develop and you'll be rewarded. Drink 2026–2046."

Score

93

"This is medium-to full-bodied, yet very rich, with lots of sandalwood, lavender, fresh blackberries and crushed cloves. More citrus peel on the palate. Lemon peel and blackberries. Fine tannins and a fresh, tangy finish. Alcohol comes out at the end. Drink after 2022."

Score

95

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino excites the senses with a wonderfully pure and fruity display of wild strawberries, woodland herbs, wet stone and flowery undergrowth. Both savory and sweet, the textures are like silk, with waves of ripe red fruits and spices which give way to salty minerals, licorice, hints of black tea and a coating of fine tannin. While youthfully structured, there’s a juicy freshness to be found throughout, creating harmonious balance and symmetry that makes the 2016 Lisini so easy to like already. That said, the best is yet to come."

Score

94

"The Lisini 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows muscle and brawn, filling out its full-bodied frame with plenty of dark fruit, spice, tar and smoke. If you like a more concentrated style of Sangiovese, this is your wine. It offers seamless harmony and sun-drenched intensity that all work very nicely in this classic and warm vintage. You can wait, or drink it in the near-term with a rack of lamb."

Score

94

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino dark and rich, showing ripe black cherries and plum, with layers of haunting florals, exotic brown spice and smoky mineral tones. On the palate, a wave of polished textures wash across the senses, ushering in juicy black cherry with sweet herbal and floral undertones, with zesty spices and vibrant acidity adding a refreshing quality. The finish is long and remarkably fresh, an example of how the warmth of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be tempered by a deft hand, as fine tannins come forward, balanced by mouthwatering acidity and punctuated by residual pure red berry fruit. It’s a wine that’s very easy to love, with near term appeal and potential for the cellar."

Score

96

"With vineyards between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta district, Lisini's vineyards are cleansed by constant breezes from the Tuscan Coast. Stony soils with an important underpinning of limestone as well as elevations over 300 metres help preserve freshness in their wines. The 2015 is beautifully fragrant, almost exotic in character. Plump red fruit and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth but rather than being heavy, this is poised and transparent. Ample powdery tannins are fine and lead to a tangy marine finish."

Score

91

"Rose, graphite, Mediterranean herb and underbrush aromas mingle with a whiff of wet wool. On the palate, taut tannins and racy acidity frame juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, culinary spice and an earthy hint of game. Drink 2021–2029."

Score

91

"This has aromas of ripe darker cherries and plums with violets and cedar, leading to a supple core of bright cherries that arrive in juicy and quite bold style. Chewy tannins cut the finish. Drink or hold."

Score

94

"Located near Sant'Angelo in Colle, Lisini's 24ha of vines surround the winery at 300-400 metres above sea level. While they usually harvest during the third week of September, in 2014 picking started mid-October. Discreet yet well-defined aromas of sage, red cherry, blood orange peel and wet earth gradually unfold on the nose. The palate is just as captivating, offering brightness, purity and polish with ripe, fine-boned tannins and juicy acidity. This is all finesse. A standout for the vintage."

Score

93

"Lisini's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a delightful appearance that sees shades of garnet and dark ruby blend into one. The bouquet is sprightly and buoyant, thanks to a pretty ensemble of wild berry, licorice and grilled herb aromas. Those are mixed with heavier background tones of spice and leather. There is also a noticeable floral note of wild rose and dried jasmine. This is a silky and smooth Brunello with a hint of fresh acidity on the close."

Score

96

"Exuding cherry, strawberry and floral flavors tinged with iron, earth and spice notes, this ripe red is elegant in profile, tightly wound and deftly balanced, ending with a kick of fruit, spice and mineral elements. Best from 2020 through 2037. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported"

Score

93

"Bright medium red. Spicy, floral perfumes of red cherry, red currant, licorice and minty herbs. At once juicy and lively, but also dense and energetic; bright, harmonious acidity nicely frames the cool flavors of red currant, spicy plum and minty herbs. This refined Brunello boasts outstanding tension, midpalate energy and focus. Finishes with polished tannins and noteworthy floral lift."