Brunello di Montalcino

Score

91

Score

93

Score

91

Score

93

Score

93

Score

92

"Both of Ciacci Piccolomini,s 2018s offer a Ádeliciousness, of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability."

Score

95

"Roasted herbs, walnuts, olives, dried cherries and balsamic on the nose with a "

Score

16

"Maturing mid ruby with bricky rim. Balsamic and ripe on the nose and with generous, ripe, sweet fruit on the palate. Easy to like and completely ready now. (WS)"

Score

97

"Forest berry, spice, hay and menthol aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather on this stunning, fragrant Brunello. A top-scorer vintage after vintage, the 2018 combines elegance and a full body, delivering dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and ground clove alongside firm but refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized while a saline mineral note adds depth to the finish. Drink 2026†2038. 14.5% abv. Kerin O,Keefe November 2022 'kerinokeefe.com"

Score

92

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and brooding, taking its time to blow off a whiff of mocha before opening up with a mix of dried red fruits, cloves and rosemary. This is surprisingly pure and lifted in style while maintaining elegance, as ripe red and black fruits cascade across a core of vibrant acidity. The 2018 leaves the palate buzzing with residual tension, as fine-grained tannins penetrate deeply, and hints of tart wild berry and a dusting of cocoa slowly fade."

Score

94

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino turns out beautiful results if you choose to drink the wine now, or if you opt to age it a little longer. It offers immediate intensity and complexity with a prelude of red and purple berry fruits that follow to tarry spice, campfire ash, licorice and rusty nail. Those savoy tones are well measured against the wine's elegant, mid-weight finish. And the tannins are integrated seamlessly. The winemaking team has worked well in a challenging vintage. This is a large production of 80,000 bottles."

Score

93

"Dense and brooding, revealing plum, cherry, earth, menthol and tobacco flavors. On the austere side today, with buried fruit and dominant tannins, yet this has fine equilibrium and extended length. Best from 2026 through 2043. ‡B.S."

Score

92

"Not too far from the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate in Montalcino's southeast, the Ciacci Piccolomini estate expands over 200 hectares. The Brunello is crafted from a variety of south facing, breezy plots between 240 to 360 metres in height. Exceptionally fragrant, the 2019 bursts with sweet Mediterranean herbs, arbutus bush and raspberry. Mid-weight with soft, sandy textured tannins, it charms with tangerine freshness. While a touch of warming alcohol pokes through, this retains its graceful stature."

Score

94

"Sour cherries with stone and bark undertones to the aromas. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, linear finish that ends tight. But this will soften with some age. Subtle bark and dried mushroom character at the end. Drink after 2025, but already pretty."

Score

98

"The 2019 straight Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d,Aragona is a beauty, starting with its heady scents of red berry, dog rose, spice and Mediterranean scrub. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the smooth palate delivers juicy red cherry, cracked peppercorn and licorice alongside tightly-woven, refined tannins. Juicy acidity keeps it balanced and fresh. Drink 2027†2039. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O,Keefe September 2023 'kerinokeefe.com"

Score

94

"Dusky cherry and plum flavors are the main themes in this red, with accents of leather, spices and wild herbs. Lively and focused, with excellent harmony and a sequel of ripe cherry on the lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. —B.S."