Brunello di Montalcino 'Ugolaia'

Score

95

"Lisini,s single-vineyard selection is its usual exotic self in 2017. It opens with a heady mix of incense, juniper, pressed lilac and lavender. There's also that polished wood nuance which I associate with the wine finishing in chestnut cask for six months. Even more dense than the estate,s annata Brunello, the hearty palate presents flavours of myrtle and currants offset by an appetising inner saline core. This boasts gusto and chew, and those sizeable tannins demand another year in the bottle but are admirably lush. Definitely one of the vintage,s successes."

Score

95

"Lush and fruity, this red delivers cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, wild rosemary and mineral flavors backed by vibrant acidity and dense, refined tannins. Offers an overall sense of balance, with a long, savory aftertaste marked by fruit and mineral elements. Best from 2025 through 2043. ‡B.S."

Score

94

"The nose takes you to a forest cabin, full of savory, umami aromas of damp earth, leather and mushrooms, with sharper notes of balsamic and Luxardo cherries coming through. On the palate, the cherry element freshens and brightens, and is lifted by undertones of orange and anise, along with springy tannins and buoyant acid. ‡D.C."

Score

93

"Full-bodied with ripe and dried cherries, spiced plums, chocolate and blueberries, supported by polished tannins. Well-integrated spice and dried flowers, too. Ripe and expansive, with a soft and mellow texture that makes it very approachable and satisfying. Drink or hold."

Score

93

"Dark woodland berries, pine and crushed rocks form an understated bouquet. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia is soft and round with a tart wave of ripe raspberry and mineral tones that penetrate deeply as zesty acidity works to maintain balance. Orange and exotic spice notes, along with gritty tannins, add cheek-puckering tension as the 2017 finishes long and stains with a lavender tinge. This is nicely balanced for the year and has excellent tannin management, which isn't often the case from the 2017 vintage."

Score

93

"From a hot and very dry vintage, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia reveals a dark garnet color with extra concentration and textural richness. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit, baked plum and toasted spice. Ugolaia is layered and rich, but despite the vintage intensity, the mouthfeel is medium in length and the wine finishes with bright freshness. "