Brunello di Montalcino

Score

97

"Leafy underbrush, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavors in this succulent red, which is supple, with a layer of chewy, chalky tannins coating the finish. Balanced overall, with a long, cherry-infused aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2043. From Italy.—B.S."

Score

96

"Below the town of Sant'Angelo in Colle, Lisini sprawls over 120 hectares, 24 of which are planted to vines. The 2019 embodies this warm, munificent, exotically scented southern stretch of Montalcino. Ripe arbutus berry and red rose meld marvellously with chestnut, iron and sunbaked earth. Sumptuously textured, it is generous in body and flavour, exuding fleshy persimmon and ripe strawberry. The palate drips with luscious acidity and a mineral drive lifts the core. Sandy tannins are relatively supple without sacrificing their commanding hold, and it finishes with crushed allspice."

Score

95

"The nose is fresh and earthy, with aromas of hibiscus, cranberry, top soil, clay and tart cherry, while on the palate a hint of raspberries coaxes more sweetness out of the cherries, as bright citrus and flinty soil act as an anchor. Lithe acid contrasts acrobatically with taut tannins. — Danielle Callegari"

Score

94

"Medicinal blackberries, sweet sage, stone dust and candied oranges define the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino. This is juicy and vibrant with violet and lavender-tinged wild berry fruits and chalky mineral tones that form a saturation of minerality toward the close. A web of fine-grained tannins resonates as the 2019 finishes long and staining yet feels only lightly structured. Salted licorice suggestions linger on. This is a classy southern Montalcino Brunello from Lisini."

Score

93

"The Lisini 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark and spicy bouquet with prune, cardamom, asphalt and wet stone. The wine is quite developed, and for that reason, I wouldn't suggest a very long drinking window. There is cola and dried rosemary sprig at the back. This is a dark Brunello with concentrated fruit to drink in the medium term. Production is 40,000 bottles."

Score

90

"A rich red color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is a touch volatile on opening and would benefit from a decant if drinking any time soon. It opens to ripe aromas of black cherry, licorice candies, and balsamic and is full-bodied, juicy, and approachable on the palate, with sweet tannins and more modest acidity. Prime for drinking over the next several years, it's a good value. Drink 2024-2030."

Score

17.5+

"Deep ruby with orange tinges. Very deep and still slumbering, with minerally and exotic dark-spice notes. With aeration more and more complex. Supple, suave cherry fruit tightly packed with fine, chewy tannins. Very long and focused, and with great potential. (WS)"

Score

95

"Near Sant'Angelo in Colle, on the road that leads to Castelnuovo dell,Abate, Lisini is within the zone of Sesta. The estate preference is to pick quite late, and they are one of the last in the area to harvest. The relative ripeness and concentration is evident in 2018 but not at the expense of balance. In fact, Lisini,s Brunello is one of the vintage,s more exciting and profound wines. It opens slowly with hints of chestnut and smoke, then discloses dark cherry, iron and fragrant moist soil. Tannins are tightly stitched yet malleable, giving a satisfying mouthful. Finishes with a salty tang and mineral drive."

Score

95

"Red berry, new leather, forest floor and dog rose are just some of the enticing aromas you,ll discover on this lovely red. Elegantly structured, the savory, balanced palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, licorice and white pepper alongside polished, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a saline note while bright acidity keeps it energized. Drink 2024†2030. 14% abv. Kerin O,Keefe November 2022"

Score

95

"Dark fruit aromas stretch across the nose but don't entirely mask hints of vanilla, pencil shavings and a salty, peppery stoniness. On the palate, the vanilla escalates to initially further emphasize the dark fruits, before new undertones of bitter orange and meaty umami elements emerge. Acid zips around dense tannins. — Danielle Callegari"

Score

94

"Rich and deep, with base notes of plum and loamy earth offsetting cherry, hibiscus and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, with muscular tannins and lively acidity lending support. The long aftertaste evokes earth and Mediterranean brush. Best from 2026 through 2045. ‡B.S."

Score

93

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of medium-soft volume and intensity with dark fruit, ripe cherry, black plum, spice and sweet potting soil. That theme of sweetness continues to the plush, lightly textured palate. The wine is ready to drink in the near or medium term; the tannins are round and ready, and it concludes with bright acidity. "

Score

92

"Like a kid in a candy store, taking in the confectionary spices, medicinal cherry, blueberry compote and licorice aromas of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a total pleasure. While silky and elegant, this is also racy and with depths of character, as red and black berries are complicated by notes of cinnamon, clove and a bitter dusting of cocoa. The 2018 finishes potent and long, but only lightly structured, begging for some cellaring, but also placing all of its goods on display. Nearly a minute goes by, and nuances of violette pastille and hard red candies still echo throughout."

Score

91

"Hints of fig to the ripe and dried cherry and blueberry fruit, with baking spices and mint chocolate. It,s full-bodied, ripe and creamy, with present yet soft-feeling tannins. A little one-dimensional but flavorful and very drinkable. Drink or hold."

Score

17.5

"Deep, lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Very closed and backward on the nose. Cherry with the merest suggestion of dried fruit on the palate, but much more compelling than it sounds. Long yet still subdued on the finish and with finely grained tannins; only at the very end revealing complex depth. Skilfully made and more to come. (WS)"

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96

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94

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93

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92

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92

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91

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97

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96

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95

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95

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94

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93

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94

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94

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94