Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 'Gemini'

Score

91

"Gemini references twin brothers, Andrea and Marcello Mantengoli who took over La Serena from their father, Ennio. Crafted from a parcel planted in 1993 surrounding the estate, the 2018 shows garnet tints and tertiary nuances; this is mature, but not spent. A bouquet of tobacco, cocoa, dried tarragon and fennel holds promise. Generously fruited, particularly for the vintage, the palate becomes progressively earthier, bringing in leather and game nuances. Heat mounts on the back end, as does a touch of dryness to the tannins."

Score

93

"Very good, bright red. Sexy nose suggests floral red cherry, raspberry, herbs, and sandalwood. Silky-sweet and fine-grained, with an enticing sappy quality to the sweet, ripe, juicy saline red fruit flavours. Nicely tactile and concentrated but lively too, closing with suave tannins, a note of candied raspberry and enticing perfume. Much fruitier and more charming than the classic 2019 Brunello from La Serena. Drinking window: 2030-2040."

Score

95

"This expressive red delivers aromas and flavors of cherry, currant, mushroom, eucalyptus, iron, sanguine and smoky autumn woods. Firm, with a line of drying tannins, this stays persistent, just leaning to the tannic side in the balance. Shows terrific potential. Best from 2026 through 2042. —B.S."