Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Score

94

"Owner Andrea Cortonesi doesn't believe in making a single-vineyard or special selection bottling. He produces just two Brunello, the 'annata' and a Riserva – the latter in top vintages only, crafted from the estate's oldest vines dating back to 1975. A parade of rosemary, mint, cardamom and clove draws you in immediately. They repeat on the dense, luxuriant palate of dark red cherry and persimmon, where confidently extracted, dry and chalky tannins firm up the edges. Sappy acidity injects some oomph, and it's definitely more powerful than elegant; it will please those who prize a bolder style."

Score

96

"Aromas of flowers, flint, graphite and smoke on the nose. Reductive in a very good sense of the word. Similar character on the palate with lots of black cherries, dark chocolate and cedar. Medium-bodied, this has well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish. Shows excellence now with balance and integrity. Drink after 2027 and beyond."

Score

16.5

"Dark ruby with orange tinges. Very closed and compact on the nose. A core of rich, ripe cherry fruit with bittersweet, powdery tannins. Backward on the nose but ready on the palate with tones of ripe fruit. (WS)"

Score

96+

"An inky red color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva is expressive and concentrated with aromas of black cherry liqueur, toasted vanilla, pine, fresh sage, and sappy herbs. Its oak spice is more prevalent at this young stage in its development, but it's well-managed and has a lux feel. Full-bodied, savory, and structured, it demands more time due to its brooding and grippy feel. Though the tannins are ripe, it has a lot of tension in its broad-shouldered and more muscular feel. It will take time for its oak to integrate fully, but it's a very well done wine in its style. Drink 2028-2048."

Score

97

"Hauntingly dark, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva displays a lovely elegance. A bouquet of mentholated black cherries and balsamic spices is lifted by whiffs of dried sage and pine shavings. Velvety smooth and nearly creamy in feel, it floods the palate with hints of ripe red and blue fruit. It has a core of zesty acidity maintains amazing energy and freshness. This leaves the senses enshrouded in a veil of fine-grained tannins, dramatically long and structured but with a concentration of primary saturation to balance. Bury this deep in the cellar—it's a masterpiece in the making."

Score

94+

"We have not seen a Riserva from in a few years. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wears a heavy mantle of oak that adds sweet cinnamon and vanilla stick. Those oak tones are prominent, but they do remain sweet and hydrated nonetheless; and that's a plus, because you don't get drying tannins, although there is a pinch of astringency at this young stage. Blackberry and dried rose potpourri are featured along with sandalwood and sauna wood. The alcohol content is high at 15.5%. This is a release of 10,400 bottles plus larger formats, and it should be interesting to watch its bottle evolution."