Tasting Report: All 2010 Brunello di Montalcino

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1 Tasting Report: All Brunello di Montalcino January 21th, 2015 Brunello di Montalcino s have been available for about three weeks now and the market is apparently on fire. Wine lovers are rejoicing in the incredible high quality of the vintage, and rightly so. The vintage is a new benchmark for s icon wine, producing reds with wonderful intensity, structure, and energy. I find the depth of fruit, flavor and savory, almost mineral undertone of the wines spellbinding. The Brunellos are reds that give fabulous enjoyment now, but will reward you for years in the future. They are wonderful examples of the adage that great wine is always great to drink, whether young or old. That s why I rated five wines 100 points and dozens of others 90 points or more. The wines are amazing quality, says Roberto Guerrini, the owner and winemaker of Fuligini, one of the finest and most consistently outstanding Brunello producers. It is the vintage of my lifetime. Adds Vincenzo Abbruzzese, the owner of Valdicava, one of the great Brunello producers: The vintage was great for a number of reasons for Montalicino. First, it was a very even grape growing season. Everything was in balance the whole time. Second, wine producers were ready to pick at the right time and make wines in the right way. It is a historical vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. The is certainly a historical vintage. It s hard to believe that I tasted close to 200 different Brunellos from the vintage and it was almost impossible to find one

2 that was not outstanding quality. It is a tribute to the greatness of the vintage as well as the wonderful evolution in quality winemaking for the region. It s almost hard to believe that I first visited the area in 1983 and only a couple dozen wine producers were bottling Brunello. Now, the number of labels has increased tenfold. And the overall quality of the wines is amazing. Brunello is evolving into a complex and dynamic Italian wine region with the diversity and uniqueness of Barolo and Barbaresco. It s not just about big names and consulting enologists anymore. It s more about microclimates, soils, single vineyards, and small producers. The fact that I rated such small producers as San Polino and La Ragnaie 100 points highlights the emergence of excellence in tiny terroirdriven winemakers. With the regular bottlings of Brunellos being so exciting, I can t wait to taste the riservas for release next year. I have had the pleasure of tasting a number of them already and they are sensational. Stay tuned. Below are all the Brunellos I have tasted so far. I posted about half the notes already in my report late last year.

3 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Ragnaie V.V. 100 So much dried citrus and smoke on the nose, with sliced meat and plums. Full body and a dense, intense palate with amazing fruit and intensity, but it's held back. Powerful and in reserve but so balanced and harmonious. An old-vine wine with a big future. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino 100 Crazy aromas of dried lemon, sea salt, cherry and delicate rose petal. Full body, ripe fruit and amazing acid tannin structure. It works from the inside out, showing an amazing center palate and bright acidity and tannin structure. Goes on for minutes. Redefines Brunello. Drink now but better in five years. The greatest wine ever from here. Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino 100 Very powerful aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom, iron, spice and lightly grilled meat. Full body with layers of fruit and earth character. Decadent and intense. It's a phenomenal wine. Incredibly layered and muscular. Better than the legendary 2006? Built for aging. Better in 2018.

4 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum 100 Unique aromas of flowers such as violets, stones and roses as well as dark fruits. Incredibly vivid. Full-bodied, yet subtle and refined. Amazing beauty. Better in 2017 but so gorgeous now. Incredible complexity and character. From biodynamically grown grapes. Luigi Fabbro and his wife Katia are incredible grape growers for Brunello and only have 2.5 hectares. Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 100 Complex aromas of walnut, dark fruit, stone, oyster shell, chalk and dried fruits. This shows fabulous intensity and balance with layer upon layer of fruit and polished tannins. Builds on the palate. It goes on for minutes. Better in Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 99 This is very muscular for the vintage. It shows lots of stones, dark fruits and hints of tar. Full body, firm tannins and a chewy texture. Ripe and rich, but shows tension and intensity. This is racy and

5 structured. Tannic now but will show its greatness in As it should be from one of the masters, but the new hand of his son Giovanni Neri is showing through with a touch more finesse. San Polino Brunello di Montalcino 99 Phenomenal aromas of pure fruit with raspberries, blueberries and flowers such as violets and roses. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a soft and caressing finish. A beauty at every level. So drinkable now but better in From biodynamically grown grapes. Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 99 Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plum, flower, licorice and mushroom. Full body with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity. Such beautiful length and beauty to this wine. It's powerful and structured but shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal. Better in Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 98 An unforgiving, powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled-meat, granite, dried-berry and flower-petal character. Full-bodied, chewy and intense. Great structure. Extremely long and intense.

6 Sexy austerity. Gets the juices going. Best ever from here. Reminds me of the great Argianos of the 1970s. Better in 2017 or Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 98 This shows superb fruit and berry character with hints of cocoa and strawberry. Full body, powerful and polished tannins and a long, fresh finish. Super. This will be released in January bottles made. Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta 98 The purity of fruit and saline undertones with hints of gravel and stones are impressive on the nose, which turns to violets and roses. It's full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a cool, sleek texture and style. It builds on the palate. So much here. Mind-bending. Better in 2018 but already exquiste. Ciacci Piccolomini d'aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso 98

7 Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It's so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph. Cordella Brunello di Montalcino 98 Incredible depth and concentration yet agile and glorious. Full body, integrated tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Gorgeous. Better in Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 98 I really appreciate the dark-berry and burnt-orange aromas that follow through to a full body, very integrated tannins and a ripe, juicy fruit character. Savory, succulent and salty. Hints of chocolate and salted nuts. So juicy and gorgeous. A fabulous red. Drink now but also hold for years ahead. Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 98 Crazy nose with chocolate, smoke, grilled meat, ripe fruits and walnuts. The palate is super and goes on for minutes with plum, berry, spice, chocolate and nuts. Full body, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Amazing quality. Goes on for minutes. Made from biodynamically grown grapes.

8 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 98 What a tightly knit wine this is with so much fabulous character of dried meat, orange peel, berry and spice. Dried and dusty earth too. Full body, sweet fruit character and ripe tannins but loads of structure and intensity. Structurally intense and dry at the finish. It goes on for minutes. Best ever. Better in Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 98 Wonderful aromas of salt, savory dried meat and red fruits. Bacon, too. Full body with chewy tannins and a long, intense finish. It's like a tightly knit ball of cashmere thread. Superb. Made from four hectares of vineyards. Better in San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere 98 Aromas of crushed raspberries, cherries and blackberries expand on your senses. There are also freshly sliced mushrooms, wet earth and bark. It's full-bodied, with an incredible depth of fruit and a savory, salty, almost grilled meat character. Layers and layers of fruit and tannins. A truly great wine. Better in 2020.

9 Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara 98 Very complex aromas of tanned leather, dried fruits and flowers. So beautiful to smell. This is so full and velvety-textured with amazing richness and complexity. Such a gorgeous, exciting wine. Long and caressing. Turns savory and succulent. Fantastic. Greatest wine ever from here. Drink or hold. Villa I Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino Zebras 98 Absolutely fantastic aromas of crushed berries and flowers. Full body, such purity of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes. A concentrated yet layered red. Incredible. A selection of the best grapes from this small estate. Drink or hold. Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 97 Beautiful aromas of dark fruits and minerals. Full-bodied, succulent and chewy. It's tight and stony. Lots of black olives and wet earth under the fruit. Bright and linear wine with beautiful layers. Better in 2018.

10 Assunto Brunello di Montalcino 97 Profound aromas of blueberry, sweet tobacco, wet earth, cedar and oyster shell follow through to full body with silky tannins and a dusty finish. A savory, beautiful wine with lots of character and depth. Better in Baccinetti Brunello di Montalcino Saporoia 97 Candied-fruit aromas with marzipan and blueberry. Spicy, too. Figs and meat. Very complex. What a palate. This is so multi-layered with clove, pepper, cinnamon, berry, citrus and cedar. Full body. Loads of tannins. Great, intriguing wine. Better in Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 97 A wine that sneaks up on you. It starts up slowly with dried-berry, chocolate and dried-lemon character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A wine that shows such layered, indepth character. Tight and exciting. Give it three to four years more before drinking. Citille di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Poggio Ronconi

11 97 A dense and silky wine with blackberry, Chinese mushroom and berry character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish. Solid Brunello. Superb single-vineyard wine. Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino 97 Fascinating aromas of lemon peel, orange, lilac and cherry, but the beauty here is the savory, salt, mineral, berry character. It shows clay and terracotta as well. It goes on for minutes. What a wine, Will be even better in two or three years. La Serena Brunello di Montalcino 97 Intense aromas of dried citrus and meat with hints of rose bush and fresh rosemary. Full body with full, velvety tannins and a decadent, rich finish. Fascinating flavors of spice, citrus and meat. Loads of fruit. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better in Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 97

12 Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give it a wonderful juiciness. It's dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold. Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto 97 I love the savory character and silky texture to this wine. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy and delicious finish. A baby still. Needs three to four years to soften. Better in Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 97 Fabulous aromas of plums, prunes, Christmas pudding and berries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a long and intense finish. Polished and refined. Give this wine two or three years to soften. Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 97 A beautifully balanced, subtle Brunello with plum, berry, spice and fresh-mahogany character. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a long finish. Very intense and harmonious. This is always a beauty. Drink or hold. San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino

13 97 Extremely complex aromas of mushroom, stone, chalk, dark fruit and lightly dried bark or tea. Fullbodied, with powerful, layered tannins. Muscular and intense. It needs loads of time to soften: better in Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 96 Aromas of burnt orange peel and cherry with hints of dried bark and mahogany. Full-bodied and very tight and dense, with a beautiful fruit, tannin and acid balance. Finesse and strength. Best wine from here for ages. Needs until 2018 to show its true quality. Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 96 Perfect aromas to this red with licorice, stone, peach pit, plum, leather and iron. Full body, fine, silky tannins that support a deep, rich fruit concentration showing black fruit, Tuscan dust and oyster shell. Needs four or five years to soften but an amazing finish. Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino

14 96 A ripe, rich, intense wine with blackberry, plum and mineral character that goes to mushroom and peppermint. Full body, fine tannins and a juicy finish. So long and beautiful. Absolutely delicious now, but will be even better in three or four years. Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Vigna della Casa 96 Intense aromas of iron, rust, earth and dark, dried fruits. It's full-bodied, with incredible depth of fruit, berries and lemon peel. Drink or hold. A beautiful Brunello. So much going on here. Gorgeous. Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 96 Gorgeous aromas of sea salt, savory, smoked meats and dried fruits follow through to a full body with fine tannins and a long, intense finish. So beautiful and enticing. Goes on for minutes. Excellent quality for the standard bottling of this winery. Better in Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 96 Fabulous aromas of oranges, peaches and mahogany follow through to a full body with rich, chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. This is dense, tight, powerful, compressed and incredibly structured. Needs four to five years of bottle age to come out of its dormancy.

15 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago 96 A very perfumed, sexy red with blueberry, dark chocolate, walnut skin, cedar and hints of mahogany. This is very deep and dense with a wonderful core of ripe fruit and freshness. Some new wood showing now, giving it a vanilla undertone. Wonderful finish with a toasted-coconut and berry character. Single-vineyard Brunello. Better in Citille di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 96 This is dense and rich with amazing layers of ripe fruit and polished tannins. Hints of hazelnut and walnuts to the flavors. Full-bodied, structured and a very rich. Better in La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino 96 Aromas of wet earth, meat and dried fruits. Some nuts and spices. Complex. Full body, with super fine tannins and fabulous intensity and richness. Dried cherry and candied citrus fruit. Fabulous finish. You want to drink this now. But shows superb finesse and intensity. Why wait?

16 Marchesi Antinori Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne 96 Lots of candied-orange, dark-fruit and dried-flower character on the nose. Full body with soft, silky tannins and a chewy finish. Funky and intense. Lots of smoked-meat, berry and dark-chocolate character. Very rich and delicious. Best Brunello from here in a long time. Try in Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero 96 I love the subtle aromas of rose petal, dark fruit and perfume that follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a beautiful finish. It's very fine and pretty. Savory and delicate. Such finesse here. Drink or hold. Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli 96 Aromas of dark berry, stone, dried Chinese mushroom and flowers. This is full-bodied, with layers of ripe, intense fruit and a long, long finish. Massive. Needs time to soften. Try in Talenti Brunello di Montalcino

17 96 A layered and rich red with a light prune, plum and berry character, as well as hints of walnuts. Full-bodied, chewy and tannic yet showing polish and refinement. An almost iodine undertone. Better in Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino 96 Wonderful aromas of ripe fruit such as plums, and grilled meat. Then it shows fresh soil and sliced mushroom. Full body with super-silky tannins and beautiful fruit. Balanced and spicy on the finish. A beauty. Drink or hold. Villa I Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino 96 Glorious ripe fruit to this wine with blackberry and cherry character. Full body, soft and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Gorgeous young Brunello. Better after 2018 but so wonderful now to taste! Voliero Brunello di Montalcino 96

18 A Brunello with dark fruits such as plum and cherry with hints of flowers and chocolate undertones. Full body, fine tannins and dried citrus fruit. Tangy and spicy. Very long and intense. Better in Albatreti Brunello di Montalcino Gorgeous aromas of balsamic vinegar, clay and dark fruits. Full body, firm tannins and beautiful fruit. This is very savory and shows ash and fruit. Terracotta too. Another great wine from a small producer to get to know. Drink or hold. Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Wonderful decadent aromas of musk, orange peel and plum follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a long and rich finish. Salty and savory. Layers of gorgeous fruit. Drink or hold. Antonio Sasa Brunello di Montalcino P Fresh and aromatic on the nose with flowers and plums that follow to a medium to full body, fine tannins and a clean, beautiful finish. It's long and very refined. This is very Burgundian in texture. A beauty. Hard not to drink now.

19 Bolgsignano Grazia Brunello di Montalcino Beautiful aromas of blackberries, spices and cedar follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a caressing finish. Drink or hold. Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino So much dried-lemon and orange-peel character here. Wet leaf, wet earth, stone and lightly smoked meat. Full body, integrated tannins and a savory, tangy finish. Fleshy and yummy. Fabulous deal. Drink or hold on release. Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Fabulous aromas of dried rose petal, orange peel, oyster shell and hints of dark fruits. Full body, very fine tannins with a mineral, berry and orange-peel and Tuscan-dust undertone. A structured, salty, savory finish. Better in Celestino Pecci Brunello di Montalcino

20 A soft and silky red with plum and berry character and hints of spices. An almost lavendar and berry undertone. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink or hold. Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino A red with ripe and juicy fruit as well as polished and silky tannins. Full-bodied, structured and powerful. Very elegant and polished. Better in Cupano Brunello di Montalcino A big, juicy red with dried berry, nut and stone. Hints of fresh herbs. Full-bodied, tannic and very extracted. Dense and chewy. Loads going on. Spicy, smoked meat and hints of cedar. Needs four or five years to come together. Ferrero Brunello di Montalcino

21 Lots of meat, spice and ripe fruit on the nose, with hints of blackberry and black cherry. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied, dense and velvety with lots of ripe, rich fruit and a soft texture. Lots of depth and richness. Plenty on the finish. Layers of character here. Needs another three or four years to come together in bottle. Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino There's a real purity of fruit to this wine with dried cherries, peaches and plums on the nose and palate. Full body, super integrated and chewy tannins, and a long, flavorful finish. Impressive. Best ever from here. Better after Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino The aromas of iron, burnt orange, and dried cherry are compelling. Mineral undertones as well. Meat, earth. This is full body, firm and lightly toasty. Structured. This needs at least three years to soften. Muscular style as always but succulent too. Best ever from here. Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino

22 Wonderful texture to this Brunello with so much dried-fruit, chalk, stone, salt and light chocolate character. Full body with fine tannins and bright acidity that deliver a complete package of beauty and elegance. Better in La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino This is a powerful and intense wine with incredible tannins that are polished and long. Full body, a dense palate and a superb finish. This is a great wine for the long term. Better in La Togata dei Togati Brunello di Montalcino Aromas of blueberry, plum, mushroom dust and stones follow through to a full body, with a gorgeous core of ripe fruit and silky textured tannins. It's long and layered with wonderful fruit and balance. Hard not to drink on release. But will improve beautifully in the bottle. Try in Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino A rich and intense wine with blueberry, lemon and sliced mushroom character. Mahogany and cedar undertones. Full body, firm tannins and a juicy finish. Gorgeous finish. Better after 2017.

23 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Fornace A ripe, rich wine with dried-berry, light-prune and shaved-chocolate character. Full and juicy, with velvety tannins and a long, intense finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Truly outstanding, like all the Brunellos from this producer. A single-vineyard wine. Drink or hold. Paradisone Brunello di Montalcino A dense and layered Brunello with beautifully crafted tannins that are soft and polished. Full body, bright acidity and a savory aftertaste. Best ever from here. Drink or hold. Pieve Brunello di Montalcino Gorgeous aromas of dried fruits, dried meats and spices. It's full-bodied with chewy tannins and a powerful finish. This is very, very structured and rich. Best ever from here. Better in Podere Le Fonti Brunello di Montalcino

24 A gorgeous red with lots of red fruits from dried strawberries to cherries. Hints of spices and mahongany. Full-bodied, dense and integrated with beautiful balance. Amazing wine from a small producer. Better in Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino A Brunello with so much forest floor, mushroom and dark fruits on then nose. Fascinating. It's full body, juicy and savory with a wonderful finish of dried meat, berry and dried mushroom. Drinking beautifully now but will age beautifully. Great value. Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino Aromas and flavors of dried meat, plums and prunes. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Polished and sexy. A little tight now so better in 2017 when it opens a little. Renieri Brunello di Montalcino

25 Loads of dark fruits such as blackberry and brambleberry with fresh-mushroom undertones. Full body, firm tannins and a long, long finish. Structured but delicious and captivating. Drink or hold. San Carlo Brunello di Montalcino The aromas of flowers, citrus and dark fruits are impressive. It's full-bodied, chewy and concentrated yet fresh and lively with a beautiful finish. Concentrated and agile at the same time. Amazing quality from this small and up-and-coming producer. Drink or hold. Scopone Brunello di Montalcino Olivare So much fruit and richness to this young Brunello with blueberry, dark-chocolate and sea-salt character. Full body with lots of rich fruit and layers of ripe tannins. Long and intense. Better after Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino

26 Aromas of blackberry, stone, slate, oyster shell and truffle, turning to a full body with soft, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This goes on for minutes on the palate. A savory, gorgeous wine. Drink or hold. Solaria Brunello di Montalcino This is structured and firm with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy and delicious finish. A full-bodied, muscular wine that nevertheless shows complexity and finesse. Drink in Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Franci What a wine with salty, savory, light milk chocolate and iron character. It's full body, super integrated tannins and a long, long finish. It just makes you jump to attention. So lively and gorgeous. Drink or hold. Tenimenti Ricci Brunello di Montalcino Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and chocolate follow through to a full body with fine tannins and a pretty finish. It's polished and beautiful. Drink or hold.

27 Tenuta di Sesta Brunello di Montalcino Wonderful perfumes to this wine with hints of hot stone, blackberry, orange peel and nectarine on the nose. Full body with a beautiful concentration of fruit and compacted tannins. The texture is ever so silky and fine. It goes on for minutes. A beauty. Hot-stone character at the finish, too. A gorgeous, friendly wine. Drink or hold. Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fonte Lattaia Lots of dried bark, mahogany, leather and spice character on the nose and palate here. Full body, soft, silky tannins and a long, powerful, focused finish. Drink or hold. Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianbossolino Lots of berry, dried-mushroom and cedar aromas follow through to a full body with superintegrated tannins and layers of dried berry, chocolate and cedar on the finish. Delicious and intense. Drink now or hold.

28 Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Campigli Vallone What an aroma to this red with so much dried-orange-peel and tangerine character. Flowers, too. Full body, fine, chewy tannins and a structured finish. Ashy texture. A contrasting, lively wine. This is tannic for the vintage and needs time to soften. Will come together wonderfully with three to four years of bottle age. Barrel sample. Andretta Brunello di Montalcino A red with dried berry berry, fresh shitake mushroom, orange peel and dried herb aromas. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a long and intense oak finish. Needs time to soften. Better in Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Aromas of currants, fresh herbs and blackberries with hints of wet stones and licorice follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. This is very tight and muscular. Needs at least four to five years to soften. The legend lives.

29 Bottega Brunello di Montalcino Il Vino dei Poeti Beautiful aromas of dark berries and freshly sliced mushrooms follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Structured and beautiful. A new wine for me and worth seeking out. Better in Capanna Brunello di Montalcino Lots of dried cherry, mahogany and sweet tobacco. Asphalt, too. Full body with silky, refined tannins and a long, gorgeous finish. This is structured and layered. Firm and intense. Better in Caprili Brunello di Montalcino This is very silky and polished with a wonderful density and intensity. Full-bodied yet compressed and refined in texture. Plenty of fascinating mineral and berry character. Better in 2017 but delicious already.

30 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino So much Tuscan dust on the nose. You can smell the soil, not to mention the dark fruits and flowers. Full body with firm, silky tannins and a long, intense finish. Tight and structured. Try it in Ciacci Piccolomini d'aragona Brunello di Montalcino Very perfumed with flower, truffle, light wet earth and cherry character. Full body and full integrated ripe tannins and caresses your palate. Very fine and pretty. Slight soya undertone. Succulent and enticing. You want to drink this. Better in Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino Wonderful aromas of red fruits, cocoa powder and walnuts. Full-bodied with soft and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. A silky and caressing wine. Savory undertones. Better in 2018.

31 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino A layered, rich wine with dried berry, peach pit and slightly bitter toasted oak. Full body, silky tannins and lots of rich, buttressed fruit. A structured, powerful wine. Needs three to five years to soften. Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Selezione Loads of ripe plums on the nose with hints of cedar, too. Turns to dried citrus fruit. Full body with velvety, soft tannins and a long, intense finish. Lots of Tuscan-dust texture that gives it an almost gritty undertone. Better in Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie Fabulous aromas of dried orange peel, smoke, cherry, and hints of cream. It's full body, with soft and silky tannins and a long and intense finish. Long and very pretty. Very balanced. Drink or hold.

32 Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino Lots of orange rind and fresh herbs on the nose. Rose petals, too. Full to medium body, soft, silky tannins and a subtle terracotta and stone aftertaste. Fine finish. Made from organic grapes. Drink or hold on release. Innocenti Brunello di Montalcino Beautiful aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of spices. Full-bodied, very lively with loads of fruits and iron undertones. Peppery and salty. Better in La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino Aromas of dried chili and salt with hints of oyster shell. Dried berry and cherry. Sweet cherry. Full body, chewy and very intense, very dried fruit character. Opens to a beautifully silky textured finish. Better in 2017.

33 La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli Wonderful aromas of berry, fresh mushroom, and wet earth follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a long, long finish. Solid and well-postured. Better in La Magia Brunello di Montalcino Lots of bright fruit and crushed cocoa powder character on the nose and palate. Full body, chewy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. I like the dusty, terracotta texture to this. Better in La Magia Brunello di Montalcino Cilieglo Lots of ripe berry, light cream and chocolate character on the nose and palate that follows through to a full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Bright and beautiful. Better in 2016.

34 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Lots of blackberry and dark chocolate and cedar aromas follow through to a full body, with firm and chewy tannins. Salty and savory underneath the fruit. So much going on inside. Rich and thoughtful. From organically grown grapes. Better in Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino A spicy and rich red with plum and berry character on the nose. Full body, fine tannins and a savory finish. So delicious and beautiful now. Love the richness and balance. Drink or hold. Le Macioche Brunello di Montalcino I love the mushroom, berry and dried-meat character. Full body and chewy yet polished tannins. A red with wonderful depth and character. Better in 2017.

35 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino A silky and refined wine with pepper, spice and berry character. Full body, fine and dense tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now or hold. Máté Brunello di Montalcino A red that delivers so much rose-bush, dried-meat, strawberry and sea-salt character. Full body with firm, silky tannins and a long, intense finish. High-toned Brunello. Better in 2017 Madonnanera Brunello di Montalcino This is gorgeously seductive where dried and burnt oranges come togetehr with cherries. Full and super silky, leading to a long and flavorful finish. Fantastic wine from a new producer. Better in 2017.

36 Piccini Brunello di Montalcino Villa Al Cortile A soft and silky red with dried berries and cream and hints of vanilla. Full body, fine tannins and a fruity finish. Best wine ever from here. Better in Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Rennina Lots of new wood to this Brunello now with dried fruit and coffee character. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Needs a few years to come together. Structured and dense. From the Gaja family. Better in San Giacomo Brunello di Montalcino There is a beautiful presence to this wine, with a super-fine tannin structure and dried mushroom and orange peel on the nose. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a refined, pretty finish. So much beauty to this. Drink or hold. Sesta di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino

37 A beautiful red with berry, chocolate and plum aromas. Iodine and oyster-shell undertones. It's fullbodied and dense with a beautiful depth of fruit and richness. Firm, fine tannins. Need four to five years of bottle age to soften. Sesti Brunello di Montalcino Wonderful aromas of dried flowers and fruit. Hints of mushrooms and earth. Full body, ripe and juicy fruit and a berry, spice and cherry aftertaste. Delicious now. Why wait? Tenute del Cerro Brunello di Montalcino A gorgeous red with dark-berry, blueberry and violet character. Full body, fine, integrated tannins with dark chocolate, and a delicious finish. Lots of everything here. Very balanced. Formally La Poderina. Drink in Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino

38 A red with lots of dried berry, dried tomato and mineral character on the nose. Full body very chewy and structured. A dense and chewy wine that needs time to soften. Big and powerful. Better in Verbena Brunello di Montalcino A dense and tight wine with lots of black olive, blueberry and citrus character. Full body, bright acidity and a chocolate, berry and spice character. Long and flavorful finish. Drink now or later. A beautiful wine with balance. Villa Le Prata Brunello di Montalcino Incredible aromatics here with smoked meat, toffee, light prune, dried cherry and dried flower. Full body, soft, velvety tannins and a long, sexy finish. Wonderful depth and intensity. Big wine from a little producer. Try in Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino 93 Aromas of berries, chocolate and terracotta follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a delicious finish. Pretty acid and fruit balance to this wine.

39 Antonio Sasa Brunello di Montalcino Martina 93 Aromas of brown sugar, prune, plum and berry. Cola, too. The palate is full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Needs a few years to come together. Armilla Brunello di Montalcino 93 Rich and beautifully crafted red with strawberries, plums and cocoa powder. Full-bodied yet refined and caressing on the palate. Better in Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 93 Lots of bright citrus and plum character to this wine with a full body, ultra-fine tannins and a long, flavorful finish. I really like the acid-fruit balance to this. Better in Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino

40 93 This is very spicy with chilies and peppers before turning to berries and strawberries. Full body, velvety tannins and flavors as well as lightly salty undertones. Drink or hold. Casa Raia Brunello di Montalcino 93 Intense aromas of clay, spices and dried fruits follow through to a full, chewy palate with lots of tannins and a bark, cedar aftertaste. Need a couple years to soften. Cava d Onice Brunello di Montalcino 93 Aromas of dark fruit, walnut and some wet earth and orange peel are prevailing now. Dried spices, too. It's full-bodied, tight and refined with savory, salty acidity and a long, fresh finish. Needs two or three years to soften but already beautiful. Collina dei Lecci Brunello di Montalcino 93

41 So much hot stone character to this with fresh fruit and Tuscan dust aromas. Some might call it roof tiles. Full body, fine tannins and fresh acidity and a bright finish. Lively and intriguing. Better in 2017 to let the wine come together. Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino 93 This is perfumed and beautiful with dried-berry, lemon-peel and mushroom character. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a citrus and plum aftertaste. I love the soft texture of Tuscan dust. Drink or hold. Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Fiore 93 This is chewy and minerally with blackberry and dark chocolate character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Better in Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino 93 Another rich and flavorful wine with hints of walnut, mineral, orange peel and oyster shell. Very minerally. It's medium body, with firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Dense and solid. Better in 2017.

42 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 93 Lots of sliced mushroom and berry character. Lots of flowers such as lilacs and violets. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. It's harmonious and beautiful. Drink or hold. La Colombina Brunello di Montalcino 93 Another Brunello with lots of salty, mineral, clay and berry character. Ripe and fresh. Full body, chewy tannins and a long finish. Needs time to soften. Better in La Torre Brunello di Montalcino 93 How beautifully perfumed and fresh, with hints of orange peel, cedar and berry. Full body with a silky, refined tannin-acid balance. Dried-berry and citrus character. Very long and very intense. Wonderful texture. Drink or hold.

43 Lambardi Brunello di Montalcino 93 A silky and refined wine with blackberry, dark chocolate and spice character. Medium body, fine tannins and a delicate finish. Drink now or hold. Molino di Sant'Antimo Brunello di Montalcino Varco 93 A dense Brunello featuring loads of dried fruit and citrus character. Full and juicy with chewy yet polished tannins and a powerful finish. Needs time to soften. Better in Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino 93 This shows dried cherry and an almost volcanic-ash undertone on the nose. Full body with velvety, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Balanced and pretty. Drink or hold. Podere Brizio-Roberto Bellini Brunello di Montalcino

44 93 A ripe, focused red with prune, plum and berry character. Hints of stones and sliced apple. Full body, dense fruit, fine tannins and a bright, lively finish. Amazing acid backbone that just jumps out of the glass. Drink or hold. Podere La Vigna Brunello di Montalcino 93 A firm and chewy red with dried fruits and lots of tannins as well as a walnut, grilled-meat undertone. Full body. Muscular wine. Better in Poggio Il Castellare Brunello di Montalcino 93 This is incredibly rich and delicious at the same time with dried fruits, chocolate, nuts and even citrus fruits. Full-bodied and in harmony. Drink or hold. Querce Bettina Brunello di Montalcino 93

45 This is a Brunello that really builds on the palate. Starts off slowly and refined and then grows to be muscular and tannic. Full-bodied but not overdone. Needs two or three years of bottle age to soften. Try in San Lorenzo Brunello di Montalcino Bramante 93 The purity of fruit is impressive in this wine with lots of stone, peach pit and light prune aromas. Some cream too. Full body, and plenty of jammy fruit and chewy tannins. A hint of new wood as well. This is a big, almost New World style that develops nicely in the glass. Give it two or three years to soften. San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 93 Extremely floral aromas with lots of plum and berry character. Full body, firm and silky tannins. Builds on the palate. Gorgeous and vivid fruit. Polished and refined. Better in Sasso di Sole Brunello di Montalcino 93 A red with dried berry and cherry character. Lots of spices from nutmeg to cloves. Full body, velvety tannins and a savory finish. Drink or hold.

46 Scopone Brunello di Montalcino 93 Lots of licorice and blackberry character with hints of walnut and mahogany. Full body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. All in balance. Drink or hold. Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino 93 A pretty red with a plum, dark berry and cherry character, as well as hints of chocolate. Full body, soft tannins and a fresh finish. It builds momentum on the palate. Drink or hold. Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino Tradizione 93 A chewy and rich wine with loads of chocolate from milk to dark chocolate. Full body and intense. Tannins. Needs loads of time to soften due to the acid, fruit and wood balance. Squared off tannins. Muscular. Try in 2017.

47 Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Piaggia 92 Another Brunello with lots of terracotta, berry and subtle cocoa powder character. Fullbodied, velvety and chewy yet the tannin texture adds to the complexity of the wine. Better in Barone Ricasoli Brunello di Montalcino Torre della Trappola 92 Wonderful aromas of blueberry, plum and spice follow through to a full body with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Harmonious and pretty. A new Brunello from one of Chianti Classico's most famous producers. Drink or hold. Belpoggio Brunello di Montalcino 92 Beautiful aromas of bark, berry and dark chocolate character follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a smoky, meaty and peppery aftertaste. Drink now or hold.

48 Castelli Martinozzi Brunello di Montalcino 92 Loads of candied cherries with hints of blackberry and spice. Full body with round, soft tannins and a powerful finish. Juicy and flavorful. Jammy. Drink now. Cava d Onice Brunello di Montalcino Colombaio 92 This is extremely perfumed with flower, blueberry and Spanish cedar. Full body with round, silky tannins and a tangy, fresh, delicately fruity finish. Subtle and complex on the palate. Singlevineyard wine. I slightly prefer the same producer's blend. Drink or hold on release. Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino 92 A beautiful and ultra-fine Brunello with dried cherry, chocolate and cedar character. Medium to full body, silky texture and a tangy finish. Drink or hold. Col d'orcia Brunello di Montalcino

49 92 A traditionally styled Brunello with nuts, cherries and plums on the nose and palate. Full to medium body, firm tannins and a fresh, lively finish. Delicious now but better in Collelceto Brunello di Montalcino Elia Palazzesi 92 Sensual aromas of meat, earth and ripe berries follow through to a full body with ripe tannins and a chewy finish. Plenty of spice, walnut and cedar undertones. Better in Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 92 Lots of dried citrus, meat and earthy aromas follow through to a full body, round tannins and a tangy, fruity, juicy finish. A slightly dusty, austere texture but a generous, decadent Brunello. Better in Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Manapetra 92

50 This has so much spicy fruit compote character. Hints of sliced orange and flower. Full body, soft tannins and a rich and juicy finish. All about fruit. Drink now or hold. Gorelli Brunello di Montalcino Le Potazzine 92 Fascinating aromas of nuts, dried fruits, leather and bark follow through to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Very drinkable now. Il Valentiano Brunello di Montalcino Campo di Marzo 92 A rich and earthy red with orange peel and plum character. Full body and tangy with lots of jammy flavors. It becomes bright and fresh with air. Thoroughly delicious. Drink or hold. La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 92 Aromatic and ripe on the nose with hints of dried strawberry and cherry character. Flowers too. This is full body, with a walnut shell, chocolate, and ripe fruit character. Silky and tangy at the finish. Drink or hold.

51 La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 92 This shows so much ripe fruit that it verges on being Port-like in the nose. Full body, with lots of fruit and soft and velvety tannins. This will please so many drinkers that love fruit forward wines. Yet it remains so Brunello. Drink now or hold. La Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino 92 Lots of dried cherry and strawberry character follows through to a full body with fine tannins and a tangy finish. Bright and lively red. Better in 2016 when the fruit, acidity and tannins come more together. Podere Paganico Brunello di Montalcino 92 Beautiful aromas of citrus fruit and berries follow through to a full body, firm and dusty tannins and a chocolate, tar and berry aftertaste. Better in 2017 when the tannins will soften.

52 Poggiotondo Brunello di Montalcino 92 A juicy, rich red with plum, chocolate and mushroom powder. So clean and vivid. Full body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. A beautiful wine in every way. Drink now or hold. San Giorgio Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte 92 A firm and fresh Brunello with a dark berry and chocolate character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Very savory and pretty. Drink or hold. Tassi Brunello di Montalcino 92 Lots of dried cherry, sliced orange and ash aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with soft tannins and a jammy, light tomato leaf and meat character. Hints of smoky wood too. Opulent and flamboyant. Drink or hold. Tenuta Buon Tempo Brunello di Montalcino

53 92 Aromas of mushrooms, dried fruits and earth follow through to a full body, chew tannins and a spicy finish. A more earthy style and delicious. Better in Tenuta Friggiali Brunello di Montalcino 92 Fascinating aromas of dried fruits, rust and spices as well as game. Full body, chewy tannins and a very savory finish. So much iron in this wine. Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 92 A flavorful yet delicately fruity wine with dried fruit, cedar and spice character. Medium body, hints of walnuts and chocolate leading to a medium finish. A little bitter on the finish from the wood maturation. Give it another year or two of bottle age. Tornesi Brunello di Montalcino 92

54 A soft and silky red with plum, berry and chocolate character. Medium to full body, pretty fruit and a flavorful finish. Polished and enjoyable now. Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino 92 A red that builds slowly on the palate delivering subtle and dense fruit and silky tannins. Lots of citrus and berry character. Needs time to come together and soften. Better in Agostina Pieri Brunello di Montalcino 91 A refined and delicious Brunello now with cedar, berries and hints of spice. Medium body, fresh acidity and chewy tannins. Better in 2016 when the wine softens. A little extracted now. La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino I Poggiarelli 91 A firm and fresh red with dried cherry and cedar character and hints of minerals. Full body, fine tannins. Better in 2016.

55 Marchesato degli Aleramici Brunello di Montalcino 91 There's pretty clarity and beauty to this, though it's still dense and intense. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and fresh acidity. Tight and reserved yet shows wonderful potential. Needs a couple years to come out. Mocali Brunello di Montalcino Vigna della Raunate 91 A red with lots of earth, terracotta, rust and dark fruit character. Full body, bright acidity and a fresh finish. Fairly linear in structure but shows outstanding intensity. Better in Molino di Sant'Antimo Brunello di Montalcino Paolvs 91 Lots of dried berry and cherry character to this red. Full body, chewy tannins and a tangy finish. Slightly dusty, almost gritty tannins. Better in Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino

56 91 A juicy Brunello with stone, terracotta and plum character. Full body, chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2017 when the tannins soften. Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Doria 91 This is a smoky and intense with plum and light tomato-leaf character. It's full-bodied, dense and powerful. It's a little jammy, with cooked fruit. It needs time to come together in the bottle: better after Maybe better when I tasted it at the beginning of the year? Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino 91 A balanced and lightly chewy red with a cherry, cream and cedar character. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink or hold. Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino Firma Riserva 91

57 Dried berry and chocolate aromas with hints of spices. Full body, with round and chewy tannins and an intense character of asphalt, iron and fruit. Dusty tannins. Better in Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino 90 A balanced and pretty wine with citrus and berry character. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lacks some concentration for a great year. Drink now. Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino 90 A pretty, aromatic red with orange peel, dark berry and shaved chocolate. Subtle. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, tangy, earthy finish. Needs two or three years to come together. Mocali Brunello di Montalcino 90 A wine with beautifully ripe dark fruits. Full body, chewy tannins and a long flavorful finish. Needs time to open. Better in 2016.

58 Pinino Brunello di Montalcino 90 A big, juicy red with plum, stone and dark-chocolate aromas and flavors. Full body, soft, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful, stone and oyster-shell undertone. Better in Crocedimezzo Brunello di Montalcino 89 A delicate and refined Brunello with dried berry, cedar and chocolate character. Medium body, fresh finish. Lacks some depth of fruit for such a great vintage. Drink or hold. Carillon Brunello di Montalcino 88 Lots of ripe and jammy character on the nose and palate. Hints of rose petal. Medium body, slightly bitter and hard finish. Better in Castello Tricerchi Brunello di Montalcino

59 88 This is a little lean for the vintage with plum and berry character and lots of cedar. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. May open with some bottle age. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Corte dei Venti Brunello di Montalcino Quattroventi 88 Vivid color of ruby-brick red. Aromas of berries, mushrooms, roses and violets. Some walnuts too. Medium body, stewed fruits and candied strawberry undertones. Drink now. La Velona Brunello di Montalcino 88 Cherries and brandy on the nose, giving it a Port-like sensation. It's full-bodied and very rich. Verges on raisins. Very ripe style. A little overdone. Musico Brunello di Montalcino 88 A soft and silky wine with cedar and berry character. Medium body and a fresh finish. A little onedimensional now. Drink now.

60 Podere Scopetone Brunello di Montalcino 88 Aromas of violets, roses and ripe fruits follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Slightly hollow center palate. Drink now or hold. Poggio Nardone Brunello di Montalcino 88 A fresh and fruity Brunello with dried berry, spice and chocolate character. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a simple finish. Drink now. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino 84 This is a little alcoholic and spicy with dried fruit and dried orange peel. Medium body and very difficult to taste.