This year’s event to introduce to the market the latest Brunello di Montalcino vintages was a “quieter than usual” affair.
Due to Brunello di Montalcino production being down by half because of adverse weather conditions throughout 2014, many producers decided not to bottle Brunello di Montalcino in 2014. Some kindly brought along Rosso di Montalcino 2016 which now have shrugged off their youthful intensity, have put on a little “weight”. These were a very welcome addition to this year’s offerings.
The Rosso di Montalcino 2017 were good quality: fresh, clean, not as joyous as 2016, once again due to challenging weather/growing conditions. Although it needs to be stated, I expect the Brunello di Montalcino 2017 to fare a lot better.
The Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Riservas were not a great step up on the Brunello di Montalcino 2013 first issue, with a few exceptions.
Brunello di Montalcino 2014
San Polino
Ruby red in colour. Red berries, black sweet liquorice. Strong tannins, good acidity. Full bodied and linear.
Points 91 TW
San Polino Helichrysum
Deep ruby red in colour. Solid core of black fruit. Black truffle, tea. Balanced.
Points 93 TW
San Polo
Medium ruby red in colour. Red cherry, raspberry, wet leather, menthol notes. Inviting.
Points 93 TW
Fuligini
Dark ruby red in colour. Red cherry, plum, mild smoked meat notes. Fresh tannins with soft contour. Structured and rich.
Points 92 TW
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013
San Filippo Le Lucere
Dark ruby red in colour. Mild floral bouquet. Full bodied. Rich with bold fruit and tannins to match. Ash, slate. Needs bottle time.
Points 94+ TW
Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso
Ruby red in colour. Full bodied. Velvety tannins. Wet leather, spice. Luscious. Long finish.
Points 95 TW
Piancornello
Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, blackberry, spice. Smoky. Textured. Layered.
Points 93 TW
Querce Bettina
Ruby red in colour. Mixture of dark cherries and blackcurrant. Bitter liquorice, leather, dried tobacco and oaky notes.
Points 92 TW
Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Salvioni
Bright ruby red in colour. Wild cherry and red berries. Spice, slate. Medium to full bodied. Structured. Elegant. Everything in the right place. Long finish.
Points 94 TW
Also showing well:
Baricci Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Points 91 TW
Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Points 90 TW
Fattoi Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Points 90 TW
Poggio Antico Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Points 89 TW