Benvenuto Brunello 2022

Brunello di Montalcino 2017 vintage has been released. It was a fascinating experience to taste these wines.

Usually, I know what to expect, because tasting from barrel samples can indicate a vintage’s direction. But the 2017 vintage was a difficult challenge to the winemakers of Montalcino, due to the weather. The variation in barrel samples was very noticeable.

During early spring 2017, severe frosts played havoc with bud break, coupled with such small amounts of rainfall through the summer months. Temperatures became stratospherically high in August: Montalcino’s official recorded temperatures in the first week oscillated from 102F (39C) to 107F (42C). Finally, in September the heavens opened and cooler evening temperatures prevailed, saving the vintage from disaster.

The biggest problem was drought, vines suffering from hydrocarbon stress, which blocks the vegetative cycle, introducing colour change, sugar progression and drops in yields. Most vineyards suffered a 15% to 50% loss in yield.

The difference between water deficit stress and drought stress, albeit seemingly the same thing: water deficiency is where the water potential and turgor (pressure exerted by fluid in a cell that presses the cell membrane against the cell wall) stops the plant from wilting, are reduced enough to meet with normal functions. Whilst drought stress happens when the demand of the vine exceeds the supply at any stage of the growing cycle.

On the face of the evidence, one would expect to find wines lacking balance, that are dense, flabby and jammy, bereft of freshness, others lean and tannic. And the vast majority for short term consumption.

As an amateur wine taster, I was surprised (and pleased) to taste some exceptional wines. Generally the vineyards in the north of Montalcino performed better than their southern counterparts. Of course, the skill of the winemaker, age of the vines, altitude and aspect of the vineyards, fruit selection, terroir and micro climate: all play a huge part in the success of the individual wines.

Another factor to take into consideration is that many of the wineries placed the grapes from the single Cru and Riserva in with the harvested fruit of the normal bottling. The reason for this being mostly the lack of yield and the lack of fruit quality in their own higher categories.

However, one must not judge too broadly, some of these wines may be harsh at first, but some will in time flesh out, others may never re-adjust and balance. A few will have a rightful place in our collections, to be enjoyed and teach the imbiber the character differences between one vintage and another from the same label. That is why I stated earlier ‘this was an intriguing vintage’.

Also on release, are the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016. On the whole I cannot see a vast improvement on the wines already released from the 2016 vintage.

Usually BDM Riserva wines come from special barrel samples, or a recognised plot in the vineyard, or older vines. The major problem I have with these wines is price, as only a few justify their ticket.

Remember the same production rules apply to all Brunello di Montalcino whether they be entry level, Cru or Riserva, the latter only spending an additional year in the cantina.

In general terms, most wineries did a very good job with the difficult 2017 vintage. Wineries that decided to put their single Cru and Riserva fruit into the normal bottling have given us unusual and interesting wines to enjoy.

Looking ahead to 2018 and 2019 vintages: I have tasted some barrel samples and even at this stage I can state the 2018 is doing very well, but the 2019 vintage is totally rocking, very similar to the magnificent 2016. Oh happy days!

Lastly I feel compelled to make comment on some individual wineries exceptional performance in 2017: Il Marroneto continues an upward trajectory; San Polino is strutting its Organic and Biodynamic wines in a most positive manner; Canalicchio di Sopra leads the field producing wines in 2017 that defy all known wine boundaries and as for their 2016 Riserva, would not surprise me if this became a ‘prefect wine’.

La Gerla is as solid as the Bank of Monte Carlo. Uccelliera can do no wrong lately.

Altesino receiving its just rewards for the monumental work undertaken in recent years…and never to be forgotten, Siro Pacenti is showing the usual master class in winemaking regardless of the vintage challenges.

Acknowledgement

My review and tasting notes of the 2022 Brunello di Montalcino latest releases could not have been published without the huge support offered by the Consorzio Del Vino Brunello di Montalcino and all the individual wineries in Montalcino who kindly arranged delivery of their wines to my office in Umbria. I wish to offer my profound gratitude to you all.

Tasting Notes

Agostino Pieri BdM 2017

Deep ruby red in colour. Black cherry, wild black berries, faint salty liquorice notes, underbrush. Juicy texture. Linear broad close. Captures you whilst you are not looking.

Points 93 TW

Agostino Pieri BdM Riserva 2016

Translucent red in colour. Cherry, raspberry, cranberry. Showing hints of vanilla, tobacco smoke and worn leather. Ultra fine tannins vie with tangy acidity. Great length and balance.

Points 95 TW

Altesino BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Seductive bouquet of wild red berries, red cherry, liquorice, clove, sea pebble minerality. Faint whiffs of wild mint.

Silky warm entry saturates the palate and at glacier speed opens up to reveal complex depth and textural richness. Finish is long and fully expressive.

Points 93+ TW

Altesino Montosoli BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Red cherry, raspberry, blueberry, wild strawberry. The florals remind you of entering a florist where the sun has concentrated its rays on the glass frontage…Utterly compelling! Primary flavours abound. Textural tannins and acidity all driving at the right speed. Secondary notes of warm liquorice, Sicilian blood orange and mint assist the progression to a linear close. Wow!

Points 96 TW

Altesino Riserva BdM 2016

Ruby red in colour. A potent mixture of black fruits, clove, menthol, orange peel and florals. So inward and intense. Hard to read, soft contours. Fine tannin structure, pinpoint acidity. Crushed shell minerality. Showing great energy and tension. Needs a quiet dark place to settle and flush out all those nuances.

Points 94-96+ TW

Antinori Pian Delle Vigne BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Black cherry, wild black berries, liquorice, balsam notes, dried Mediterranean herbs. Crunchy tannins and zesty acidity. Great energy: just keeps going… Remarkable for the vintage! Good balance and poise. Good showing.

Points 93 TW

Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Vignaferrovia BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Absorbing display of red fruits, spice, plum, orange peel zest and golden tobacco. Finely etched minerality. Long and focused. Not a shy personality.

Points 94+ TW

Argiano BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Racy personality. Red cherry, tar, liquorice, orange peel, candied mint nuances. Linear. Concentrated. Layered and balanced. Juicy. Acidity assists in giving an overall sense of freshness.

Points 92TW

Armilla BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blueberry cassis, sweet spice, menthol, faint aromatics of tree bark. Unfortunately has very little body and fades away abruptly at the close.

Points 87 TW

Banfi Poggio all’Oro BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Great fruits flavours in bold print vie with notes of Mocha, sweet pipe tobacco together with a waft of eucalyptus. Full of nuances and character. Silky textures wrap around solid core fruit. A liquid pleasure bomb!

Points 96TW

Banfi Vigna Marrucheto BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Red summer fruits lead warm rose petal notes, soft liquorice and tar. Bright. Savoury. Delicate. Showing freshness and energy.

Points 93TW

Barbi BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour.Red cherry, plum, blackberry, tobacco, dried herbs, balsamic notes. Soft integrated tannins vie with zesty acidity. Tart nuances keep the palate slightly dry but fresh. Broadens a little on the close.

Points 90 TW

Barbi BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Ripe red fruit of cherry and berry interplay with rose floral aromatics. Liquorice and eastern spice play their part. A wine of impact: it saturates the palate. Has plenty of poise and polish.

Points 95 TW

Barbi Vigne del Fiore BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. A delicate mix of red berries and blur florals, Sicilian blood orange peel, spice box notes. The mid palate shows secondary nuances of warm blackberries and menthol notes. Caressing tannins knitted with saline infused structure uplift the palate. A persistent linear refined finish.

Points 94 TW

Bellaria BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, red berries, pomegranate, underbrush, cake spice.

Forward and rounded. Little warmth showing leaving mid palate. A bit tense. That said shows suppleness and an ethereal quality.

Points 90 TW

Bellaria Assunto BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blackberry, raspberry cassis, mint. House style still showing aromatics of exotic woods. Pleasing progression with fine tannins and good balance.

Points 92 TW

Bellaria Assunto BdM Riserva 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Black fruit, red berries, spice, hints of tobacco and clove.

Very tight, almost closed. Showing grippy tannins and tangy acidity. Locked in energy will eventually bust through, bringing a more balanced open style. Needs 4/5 years in cellar. Patience is the key.

Points 93-95 TW

Biondi Santi BdM 2016

Ruby red in colour. Super abundance of fruit. Intense showing of red and black wild berries, cherry, raspberry, blond tobacco, orange peel. Difficult to drawback from pulsating bouquet. Secondary nuances of dried sage mixed with exotic spice. Structure is powerful but quiet as a Tesla motor car. Caressing tannins. Bright and translucent.

Points 96-98 TW

Biondi Santi BdM Riserva 2015

Bright ruby red in colour. Black cherry, sweet warm blackberries floating on a bed of cassis. Pipe tobacco. Forest floor. Faint pink rose petal aromas and cedar notes. Utterly compelling. Elegant. A black hole of textural depth. Energy of a nuclear power station.

So precise, with ultra fine integrated tannins. Finish goes on a marathon.

Points 98+ TW

Campogiovanni BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, wild Black Forest berries, Mocha, pipe tobacco, orange peel, black tea. Powerful yet refined. Juicy close.

Points 90 TW

Campogiovanni Il Quercione BdM Riserva 2016

Intense ruby red in colour. Raspberry, plum, red cherry, warm earth, white smoke. Showing opulence. Concentrated.Linear. Youthful tannins and zesty acidity will eventually settle. Needs time.

Points 92-94 TW

Canalicchio di Sopra BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Sour berries vie with candid citrus fruits. Aromatics of sweet perfumed florals and spice have you rolling from side to side. Silky soft textures perform aerobatics on the mid palate. Contains the ‘Big Bang” of energy at its core. Brunello 2017 vintage…I can’t believe it!!!

Points 96+ TW

Canalicchio di Sopra La Casaccia BdM 2017

Absorbing display of black cherry, blackberries, violet florals and menthol. Quickly followed by fresh juicy textured nuances of red berries and balsamic notes, leave you almost gasping for breath. Sweet notes then savoury ones bombard the senses on this hedonistic experience. Phenomenal length and balance.

Points 97 TW

Canalicchio di Sopra BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour with pale mauve undertones.

Jet propelled rush to the senses. Rich black fruits introduce dusky floral notes dipped in exotic spices. Liquorice, clove and mint nuances loiter around solid core of juicy fruit that saturates the mid palate. Completely seduces the imbiber. A trophy winner of a wine.

Points 99 TW

Capanna BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, blood orange, dark coloured florals, underbrush. Forward tannins and razor sharp acidity prevails, good chance these will relax and balance given bottle age.

Points 91 TW

Capanna BdM Riserva 2016

Intense ruby red in colour. Succulent red fruit, liquorice, spice box, sage, orange peel.

Striking character. Brings together all the qualities of this vintage. Needs time to age.

Points 95 TW

Caparzo BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red cherry, orange peel, menthol, sage, liquorice.

Soft entry broadens on the palate showing juicy sour acidity, that keeps the mouthfeel fresh and tingling. Not as laden as previous vintages, a lighter style prevails here. Good effort for this vintage.

Points 90 TW

Caparzo Vigne La Casa BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red and black fruits. Damp forest floor, Mediterranean herbs and black tea. Savoury. Firm tannic grip. Has a saline infused energy. A little subdued.

Points 91 TW

Caparzo BdM Riserva 2016

Medium ruby red in colour. Red cherry, plum, blueberry, decadent dark floral aromatics.

Followed by slate, pipe tobacco, faint clove puffs. All confined in a web of tangy acidity, powdered tannins and a silky translucent structure. The open knit texture shows finesse I have not observed here before.

Points 94 TW

Carpineto BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Black fruits, blood orange, mentholated floral herbs, balsamic notes, white pepper. Silky soft, juicy, great texture. Broadens on the mid palate, Exotic. Articulated finish.

Points 94 TW

Carpineto BdM Riserva 2016

Deep garnet in colour. Red cherry, baked plum, blond pipe tobacco, clove, dried orange peel, spice box. Seams to come and go on the palate, maybe a little tight, shows great promise. Hard to read. Tense structure but well balanced.

Points 92-94+ TW

Casanova di Neri BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry and spice. Dusty tannins. Zesty acidity. Fruit quality benefits from inclusion of Riserva 2017. Juicy and linear.

Points 91 TW

Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Showing its pedigree from the start, soft black plums, raspberry, smoke, sweet tobacco, blue florals. Shows ripeness, mild structure and soft texture. Undertones of lavender and bitter liquorice. A little tight, needs a year or two bottle age.

Points 93 TW

Casisano BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red berries, blue florals, dried herbs and spice introduce this smooth offering. It glides through the palate leaving a very gentle reminder of its presence.

Points 90 TW

Castello Tricerchi BdM 2017

Pale ruby in colour. Dried cherry, camphor, cedar, faint liquorice, burnt orange peel and blue florals. Juicy with a translucent structure. Poised. Lingers on the close

Points 92 TW

Castello Tricerchi AD1441 BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red cherry, wild strawberry, dried earth, rose petal.

Smooth and rounded with an elegant body. Plush and silky. Minty freshness. Well within itself.

Points 93+ TW

Cava D’ Onice Colombaio 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Wild strawberry, red cherry, iodine, underbrush, roast meat, mint and sage. Juicy delicate structure. Sour cherry notes on the back end.

Points 90 TW

Cava D’Onice Sensis BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Black cherry , crushed raspberry, dried Mediterranean herbs, clove, liquorice and orange peel. Lightly textured. Juicy. Medium bodied. Fresh. Long finish.

Points 92 TW

Cava D’Onice BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Black fruits, plums, blood orange, clove and liquorice notes.

Balanced pleasant progression with ultra fine tannins. Freshness that gives suppleness.

Back end shows nuances of sweet tobacco and purple floral notes. Long expressive close.

Points 95 TW

Col d’ Orcia BdM Riserva 2015

Bright ruby red in colour. Fresh red fruits, orange peel, aromatics of cedar wood. Faint spice notes. Dried floral underbrush. White smoke. A charming, traditional wine.

Points 95 TW

Col d’Orcia Vigna Nastagio BdM 2016

Ruby red in colour.Black cherry, blackberries, plum, pipe tobacco, sage.

Plenty of verve. Absorbing display of textural depth and balance. Persistent long finish.

Points 94 TW

Corte Pavone BdM 2017

Intense ruby red in colour. Hard to pull away from heady bouquet of savoury spices, crushed violets, liquorice, sweet tobacco and citrus infused menthol. Doesn’t follow through, yet retains a juicy fresh finish.

Points 91 TW

Corte Pavone Anemone al Sole BdM Riserva 2016

Red cherry, plum, orange peel, dried earth. Fine tannins. Zesty acidity. Showing alcohol warmth, feels as if was pushed too hard.

Points 90-92 TW

Corte Pavone Vigne Poggio Molino al Vento BdM Riserva 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blackberry, camphor, dried herbs, salty liquorice.

Complex layered minerality. Very tight and youthful. Alcohol warmth prevails at present, this should subside with bottle age, leaving a more harmonious feel.

Points 92-94 TW

Corte Pavone Campo Marzio BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Delicate florals of rose petal, red cherry, wild strawberry, hibiscus, cedar notes. Not the powerhouse of 2016 but a more thoughtful delicate expression. Delivers beautifully.

Points 94 TW

Corte Pavone Fiore del Vento BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Sweet scented aromatics pull you in, purple and dark blue florals, black cherry, blueberry, whiffs of camphor. Silky tannins balance with clean acidity. Shows good structure with a few layers of textural depth; not easily achieved in this vintage. Juicy linear finish.

Points 93 TW

Corte Pavone Fior di Meliloto BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Blue florals lead red cherry, juice of pomegranate, blood orange, faint clove notes and sweet spice. Second nuances of blackberries, golden pipe tobacco. Silky entry showing delicate structure. Slightest whiff of sour cherry notes on back end. Leaves a clean, fresh mouthfeel.

Points 93 TW

Cortonesi La Mannella BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Blue florals vie with crushed black berry fruits. Youthful racy personality. Liquorice and clove come and go through the palate as does textural depth. Needs a year or two in bottle to try and come together.

Points 91 TW

Cortonesi La Mannella BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, clove, red florals. Further nuances of sweet tobacco, liquorice and cedar. Full of character this silky red. Need time to strut its stuff.

Points 93-95 TW

Cortonesi I Poggiarelli BdM 2017

Red ruby in colour. Black cherry, blueberry, orange peel, blond tobacco, menthol. Layered minerality. Dry texture yet fruit holds out. Occasionally shows the problems with the vintage. Lingers on the close.

Points 90 TW

Croce di Mezzo BdM 2017

Pale garnet with faint purple undertones. A sweet scented bouquet prevails of rose petal, red cherry, powered raspberry and liquorice. Disappears after entry in weight terms. Citrusy notes on the close.

Points 86 TW

Donatella Cinelli Colombini BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Inviting bouquet of plum, raspberry, orange peel, flinty minerality, liquorice and mint. Soft rounded entry, broadens slightly on mid palate, showing fine tannins and a broadsword of acidity. Leaves a tangy clean mouthfeel. Flamboyant style.

Points 92 TW

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Primedonne BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red fruits interplay with violet florals and dried forest floor. Liquorice, spice and oyster shell minerality follow by ultra fine tannins and balanced acidity. Delivers nicely, not concentrated; but this is 2017!

Points 93 TW

Donatella Cinelli Colombini BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Black berried fruits lead brown spice, eucalyptus. Balanced tannin and acidity structure makes way for nuances of floral aromatics, liquorice and sweet tobacco. Has individuality.

Points 93+ TW

Elia Palazzesi BdM 2017

Pale garnet in colour. Red berries, dried cherry, liquorice faint notes of clove, cedar.

Rounded entry. Not yet balanced, but might level up. A bit on the lean side, but leaves a pleasing fresh mouthfeel on the close.

Points 88 TW

Elia Palazzesi BdM Riserva 2016

Pale ruby red in colour. Dried cherry, blood orange. Silky entry. Juicy. Tannins are on the crunchy side. Sour notes on the end. All that said; there is an overall feel good factor alive here.

Points 90 TW

Fanti BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Cherry, blackberry, violet. Soft round entry, lacking a little body. Juicy. Tartness coming off mid palate assists freshness. Hovers on the close.

Points 92 TW

Fanti Vallocchio BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour with garnet highlights. Black cherry, plum, blackberry, damp forest floor bordering on humus. Spice and notes of cedar. A whisker off full bodied. Showing opulence for 2017. Impressive.

Points 94 TW

Fanti Vigna Le Macchiarelle BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blackberry, plum, rose petal, leather and dried earth. Rounded texture.Bold and inviting. So much to give. Needs bottle time and aeration.

Points 96 TW

Fattoi BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour.Red fruit, dried herbs, faint rose petal. Soft contours. Sea pebble minerality. Dry character.Tends to taper off.

Points 88 TW

Fattoi BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, blackberry and plum, cedar, eastern spice, Balsamic notes. Everything in the right place. Long close.

Points 92 TW

Fornacina BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red fruits, liquorice, blood orange, baking spice, lavender and purple florals, Elegant textural depth. Saturates the palate. Silky smooth in its deliverance.Sour cherry notes on the beginning of the close bringing freshness and prolonged length.

Points 94 TW

Fornacina BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Needs aeration-reductive notes. Red fruits, camphor, liquorice, black tea, herbs and faint cedar notes. Soft tannins. Subdued acidity. Lean on mid palate. Abrupt close.

Points 89 TW

Frescobaldi Castlegiocondo Ripe Al Covento BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, redcurrant, stewed plum, wild blackberries, sit on a bed of eucalyptus. The mid palate is where soft textures and balance can be found. Fine tannins vie with a line of nervous acidity. And yet given some bottle age; all will be well.

Points 94 TW

Frescobaldi Castlegiocondo BdM 2017

Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry resting on a bed of Kirsch, cake spice and wild white cherry introduce this edgy, youthful and energetic liquid to the senses. Structure is powerful but retains good balance. Lingers with intent on the close.

Points 92 TW

Frescobaldi Luce BdM 2017

Dark garnet in colour. Blackberry fruits, salty liquorice, grilled herbs, cedar, leather and graphite. Deep texture feel. Finely structured. Silky tannins give way to briny notes. Shows signs of voluptuousness.

Points 92 TW

Fuligni BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Redcurrant and black berries fruits predominant the bouquet, followed by blue florals, spice, underbrush and faint rose petal. Vivid acidity. Tends to taper off, but gives pleasure for the most part.

Points 92 TW

Fuligni BdM 2016

Announces itself with all pomp and ceremony. A seductive bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, liquorice and cake spice that interplay with fine tannins, fresh acidity in total harmony. Palate is so polished. Notes of crushed stone. Perfect symmetry. One for the back of the cellar. Wow!

Points 97-98 TW

Il Cocco BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red fruits, orange peel essence, dried herbs, liquorice and blond tobacco. Silky entry, showing solid core of fruit progression. Surrounded by fine tannins and forceful acidity. Trying to add weight through mid palate. Leaves clean fresh aftertaste. Good effort for this vintage.

Points 92 TW

Il Marroneto BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. A lifted entry of red and black berries, dried sage, flint, damp forest floor. Lavender undertones. Rounded texture. Finely etched minerality. Long focused and youthful. Balanced. Suave and delicate.

Points 95 TW

Il Marroneto Madonna Delle Grazie BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. A wine of impact. Beguiling display of aromatics, containing violet florals, red cherry, raspberry, orange peel and plum. Complex layered minerals. Light texture. Finish is long and shows harmony. A triumph for 2017.

Points 97 TW

La Fiorita BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red berry fruits, dried bitter herbs, sea rich minerality, cake spice. Citrusy character. Light weight textural body. Lacks a little drive.

Points 87 TW

La Fiorita BdM Riserva 2016

Pale ruby red in colour. A fine bouquet of soft red berries, rose and violet florals. Secondary wave of blackberry, cedar notes and powdered orange peel. Grippy tannins vie with light textural richness. Leaves a pleasant fresh aftertaste.

Points 93 TW

La Gerla BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour with pink highlights. Crushed raspberry, orange peel, pomegranate, blue florals, black olive, mint. Dry mouthfeel aided by complex layered minerality. Stays fresh, juicy, supply. Ready to go.

Points 93 TW

La Gerla La Pieve BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. A plethora of black and red berries, fresh Mediterranean herbs, blood orange, liquorice and sea pebble minerality. Takes you on a journey, showing shallow nuances of spring flowers then, as you approach mid palate, a black hole of textured semi - structure, onward to a heady mixture of blue floral notes and crushed black berry fruit. Finally a long caressing finish. A new wine to me. One single Cru to look out for in the future.

Points 94+ TW

La Gerla gli Angeli BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour with garnet undertones. Black fruits of cherry, blackberry, blueberry , Tea tree oil, dried sage, tangerine and blood orange peel. Dense and sumptuous. Tremendous resonance. Structured and micron perfect balance. Gives layers of pleasure. Good for 20 years plus.

Points 97 TW

La Magia BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red and black berries, pomegranate, black tea, bitter orange peel, dried cherry. Restrained palate. Forward acidity. Shows good textural depth. Juicy mellow finish.

Points 92 TW

La Magia Ciliegio BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, wild strawberry, golden plum, Eastern spice, blond tobacco. Seamless and unwavering linearity. Boisterous and super expressive. Silky texture. Juicy character.

Points 93 TW

La Magia BdM Riserva 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry, blueberry, blackcurrant, liquorice, blood orange and brown spice. Great breadth of flavour. Dense and sumptuous. Showing clarity and precision. Extremely long finish.

Points 95+TW

Lambardi BdM 2017

Deep garnet in colour. Red cherry, blood orange, liquorice, dry leather, mentholated infused herbs. Chewy tannins. Mid palate shows an abundance of citrus infused sour cherry and piercing acidity. Tapers off on the close.

Points 89 TW

La Palazzetta BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red and black fruit, violet florals, orange peel, clove, dry leather, black tea. Pleasant soft juicy texture. Plush and savoury. Slightly restrained palate. Long and linear close.

Points 90 TW

La Palazzetta BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Black fruits , liquorice, baked plum, spice, blue florals.

Silky, tense and powerful and borders on refinement. Long focused and youthful. Perhaps a touch subdued.

Points 92-94 TW

La Poderina BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Blackberry, raspberry, plum, sea shore minerality. Blue florals. Dusty. Mountainous structure with little attached. Crunchy tannins. Needs bottle age to show what it has to give.

Points 87+ TW

La Poderina Poggio Abate BdM Riserva 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry, blackberry, plum, menthol, faint liquorice, spice notes. Juicy. Lacking balance. Showing a little alcohol warmth. Very little body. Ends abruptly.

Points 88 TW

La Rasina BdM 2017

Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherry, red and black wild forest fruit, liquorice, new leather, faint clove with Alpine herbs. Silky smooth entry. Balanced. Showing layered textures. Sour citrus notes on the end keep the fresh momentum.

Points 92 TW

La Rasina Persante BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Black fruits, dusty florals, liquorice, floral underbrush and clove. Youthful tannins. Vertical. Showing pulsing energy. Persistent. Full bodied.

Points 94 TW

La Rasina il Divasco BdM Riserva 2015

Intense ruby red in colour. Black cherry, wild strawberry, blackberry, blood orange, white florals vie with Mediterranean herbs. Plump and juicy. Silky tannins encircle fresh core fruit with fresh acidity, all held aloft with complex minerality. Sophisticated. Has long cellar life ahead if itself.

Points 96-98 TW

Le Chiuse BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Cherry, red berries, blue florals. Dried Mediterranean herbs and spice. A line of nervous acidity and chewy tannins will relax. Back end shows powdered rose and a citrus character leading to a linear close.

Points 94+ TW

Le Chiuse BdM Riserva 2012

Bright ruby red in colour. A heady mixture of cherry, raspberry and pomegranate awakenings the senses. Showing tension but yet suppleness. Silky textures wrap around solid core fruit. House style is very appealing. Back end showing notes of plum and eastern spice. Juicy close.

Points 97 TW

Le Gode BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. A bouquet of warm red fruits, camphor, blood orange and dusty flowering herbs. Smooth textures light up the mid palate showing a juicy expression held tight with citrus infused minerality. Comes across a little dry on the close.

Points 92 TW

Le Gode Vigne Montosoli BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour with pale pink undertones. Enticing bouquet draws you in. Black and red fruits of the forest, lay on a bed of salty liquorice, humus and crushed herbs. Lightly textured. Gracious. Slight notes of drying tannins vie with piercing fresh acidity.

Points 93 TW

Livio Sassetti Pertimali BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blood orange, raspberry, camphor, dried Mediterranean herbs and violet and iris florals.Very elegant body. Agile with great length. Plushness and silkiness. Finely grained tannins, fresh acidity float on textured layered minerality. Exceptional clever work at play here.

Points 94 TW

Livio Sassetti BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, wild mint. Aromatic delineation and nuances. Spreads across the mid palate with the grace and balance of an Olympic ice skater. So polished. Bright and translucent. Simply exquisite.

Points 98 TW

Madonna Nera BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Enticing bouquet of red cherry, menthol infused herbs, blood orange, damp underbrush. Complex minerality assists freshness. Lightly coats the palate with fresh juicy fruits. Faint floral expression. Long close.

Points 91 TW

Madonna Nera BdM Riserva 2016

Pale garnet in colour. Warm red cherry, dusty red floral aromatics, iodine. Good balance. Tannins and acidity in line. Back end showing minerality and baking spice.Extremely light texture and structure.

Points 90 TW

Mocali BdM 2017

Pale garnet in colour with pink highlights. Delicate aromas of Morello cherry, balsam, clove, liquorice and black tea. Light weight, soft entry expands slowly on mid palate bringing succulent waves of juicy fruit, saline minerality showing a sharp acidic edge. Orange peel and blue florals complete the package on the close.

Points 93 TW

Mocali Le Raunate BdM 2017

Garnet in colour. Black fruit, plum, pipe tobacco, spice box. Silky. Juicy. Agile. Coming off the mid palate a lifted sense of fresh dry structure carrying wild forest fruit, salty liquorice. Articulated finish.

Points 93 TW

Mocali BdM Riserva 2016

Bright garnet in colour. Cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, plum, sweet scented mix of spice and herbs. Showing its class. Elegant body. Progressive and focused. Has textural energetic depth.

Points 94 TW

Mocali Le Raunate BdM Riserva 2016

Deep garnet in colour with bright highlights. Blackberry, blueberry, spice, Sicilian blood orange, liquorice, spice and menthol infused herbs. Muscular and agile. Plump and juicy with a sour cherry edge. Bright and translucent. Not a shy personality. Still holding plenty back.

Points 95 TW

Padelletti BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour with garnet highlights. Red cherry, Mediterranean herbs, liquorice, red florals. Raspberry and spice mix with citrusy minerality lift this savoury, balanced, medium structured, fresh experience to a higher level. Ultra fine tannins and zesty acidity assist the juicy long finish.

Points 94 TW

Padelletti BdM Riserva 2016

Deep garnet in colour. Elegant racy dark fruit, cake spice and liquorice. Fantastic length and balance. The purity of flavours is compelling. Tense yet comfortable. Finely etched minerality. Completely seduces the imbiber. Proud tannins will abate and integrate with fresh youthful acidity. Leaving a clean fresh aftertaste.

Points 95-97 TW

Palazzo BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Red and wild blackberries, sage, slate, sour white cherry. Powerful tannins and zesty acidity race around the mid palate. Faint notes of liquorice and balsam come and go.Tight. Unforgiving. I have a feeling this wine may not come together or find its balance.

Points 86-88 TW

Palazzo BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Cherry, wild strawberry, plum, crushed stone and earthy notes. Has poise and polish. Long juicy close.

Points 93-95 TW

Patrizia Cencioni BdM 2017

Pale garnet in colour. Aromas of rose crushed petal candy, dried red cherry, blueberry, warm clove and menthol. Silky juicy entry, expands nicely showing orange peel, black liquorice and violet petals. Very pleasing. Good showing for 2017.

Points 92 TW

Patrizia Cencioni BdM Riserva 123 2016

Deep garnet in colour. A mixture of red cherry, orange peel, kumquat, rose petal and white smoke. Inward looking, youthful and tight. Given time, I am sure it will open up and reveal a compelling, complex, savoury, textured wine. Cellar time please!

Points 93-95 TW

Pietroso BdM 2017

Pale garnet in colour. Red fruits, dark spice, orange peel, dusty tannins, tangy acidity comes across better than its individual nuances. Juicy. Lightweight structure. Ready to go.

Points 90 TW

Pietroso BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour, Morello cherries, baked plum, sweet pipe tobacco, Eastern spice. Massive structure. Vivid acidity. Crushed stone minerality. Very serious. Needs bottle age.

Points 93 TW

Piombaia BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour with pink highlights. Red cherry, blueberry, camphor, orange peel, tree bark, warm liquorice. I tasted this twice, the second time 6 hours after the first, the difference was huge. Velvety carnation aromatics hover with cassis off mid palate. Drying tannins tend to compact the width on the close. A fine effort.

Points 94 TW

Poggio dell’ Aquila BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Reductive notes took a time to blow off. Red berries, menthol, catmint, humus, orange peel.Layered minerality. Shows very little action on the mid palate and ends abruptly. Promised much in the paddock, but failed on the track.

Points 86 TW

Poggio dell’Aquila BdM Riserva 2016

Medium ruby red in colour. Unusual lack of forward fruit, hints of red fruit. Soft contours on entry, yet delivers very little of substance. Not a good showing.

Points 86 TW

Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino 2018

Bright ruby red in colour. Wild red and black berries, crushed raspberry, mentholated herbs, cedar and spice box. Elegant. Classic. Coming off mid palate with black tea notes underpinned with dark florals. Superb transparency.

Points 92 TW

Poggio di Sotto BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Dried cherry, blackberry, forward violet and lavender notes. Showing its class from the off but in a more restrained style. Mid palate is aware of fine juicy fruit, held aloft by layered minerality. Compact rounded tannins vie with rapier acidity. Energy and balance is the master stroke (pulled off by the winemaker: Luca Marrone) …which continues with progression to the long close.

Points 95 TW

Poggio Nardone BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour with pink undertones. A profound sweet bouquet of red cherry, crushed herbs, faint eucalyptus, red florals. Dusty tannins looking for acidity. Delivers a smooth, sour, juicy, fresh liquid. Light in character but quaffable all the same.

Points 90 TW

Poggio Nardone BdM Riserva 2016

Medium ruby red in colour. A jackpot bouquet of a full spice box, wild forest fruit, white cherry, sweet tobacco. Faint notes of bitter chocolate. Forward tannins are fresh and still to lose their youth.Tangy acidity brings forth a good balance. A wine with a statement to make. I like it!

Points 95 TW

Salvioni BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, white smoke, faint balsam notes and spice hints. Warm leather. Close knit tannins bedded into a sour citrus infused minerality. Elegant yet edgy, youthful and primary. Very attractive for the vintage.

Points 95 TW

San Giorgio Ugolforte BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Wild strawberry, powdered raspberry, sweet spice, red rose petal. Silky entry. Juicy with fine tannins underpinned with tangy acidity. Wild and savoury. Faint liquorice and dried red cherry on the close. A lot of work present here. Great showing.

Points 93 TW

San Polino BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Inviting bouquet of red fruit, spice, lavender aromas. Juicy. Savoury.

The faintest hints of sour cherry, surround secondary nuances of liquorice and pomegranate juice. A captivating wine.

Points 95 TW

San Polino Helichrysum BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Red cherry, wild forest fruit. Well integrated tannins with clean acidity. Shows fine balance, rare for this vintage. Savoury. A little subdued.

Needs a couple of years bottle age.

Points 95+ TW

San Polino BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Fresh ripe fruit abound with orange peel and baked plum. A wine with wide shoulders. Gives layers of pleasure. Fruit flavours in bold print. Rich with great textural depth. This is a sleeping giant, it just needs cellar time.

Points 96-98 TW

Sassocheto Il Grappolo BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Red berry fruits dusted in cake spice. Faint red florals, underbrush. A mix of fine tannins, little structure is typical of this vintage.

Points 86 TW

Siro Pacenti Pelagrilli BdM 2017

Pale garnet red in colour. Black fruits, wild white cherry, cedar, dark floral aromatics. A pillar of rounded texture where tangy acids and fine tannins amass. Good weight. Balanced. Persistent close.

Points 93 TW

Siro Pacenti Vecchie Vigne BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Cherry, plum, wild strawberry. Wonderful florals of violet.

Cedar. Very exotic. Youthful and crunchy tannins. Has finesse and poise.

Points 94 TW

Siro Pacenti PS Riserva BdM 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. The bouquet is worth the price of admission alone. A full box of spice with highlights of clove and cinnamon, cedar, blood orange, black cherries, dried sage and sweet pipe tobacco. Flirtatious textures play with layered minerality and citrus elements through the mid palate, leaving freshness and tremendous resonance. A liquid pleasure bomb.

Points 98 TW

Talenti BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Elegant racy wine with blackberries vie with a seductive bouquet of fresh Mediterranean herbs, crushed mint and dark florals. Difficult to draw back. Integrated tannins nestle up to fresh acidity, giving balance and transparent structure. Clever work at play here. Long caressing finish brings this wonderful show to a joyful ending.

Points 96 TW

Talenti Pian di Conte BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, black fruits mingle with sage and mint leaves, sandalwood, sweet tobacco, balsamic and brown spice notes. High pitched florals take over, followed by noticeable textural richness. Covering the mid palate one finds integrated fine tannins, sour cherry and clean acidity, all finally leading to a long juicy opulent close.

Points 97 TW

Tenuta Buon Tempo BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour with bright undertones. I tasted this twice, 10 hours apart, as it needed plenty of aeration. Supple red fruit palate play with eastern spice, rose petal. Exotic. Secondary nuances of crushed raspberry, blue florals and clove. Has originality in its style package.

Points 91TW

Tenuta Buon Tempo Oliveto P 56 BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Heady aromas of spring flowers, red berries, liquorice and brown spice. Edgy, youthful and primary, Approachable now, but I feel in a couple of years time will show better.

Points 92-94 TW

Tenuta di Sesta BdM 2017

Medium ruby red in colour. Welcoming bouquet of wild cherry, strawberry and raspberry cassis, sage, orange peel. Iris florals. Light in expression, but has delicate class. Juicy. Finely formed and attractive for the vintage. Long close.

Points 93 TW

Tenuta di Sesta Duelecci Est BdM Riserva 2016

Bright ruby red in colour. Black fruits, spice, violet florals, leather, orange peel and dried earth. Saturates the palate with depth and volume. A wine that will age well and keep its balance and freshness.

Points 95 TW

Tenute Silvio Nardi BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, redcurrant, blood orange. Tangy acidity. Light on its feet. Doesn’t really say much. Nervous.

Points 88 TW

Uccelliera BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, black plum, blood orange, blue florals, brown spice box. Soft textures. Layered structure. Opens up with glacier speed showing every complex twist and turn. Coats your palate with juicy opulence. Wow!

Points 95 TW

Uccelliera BdM Riserva 2016

Ruby red in colour. Wild ripe strawberries, raspberry. Tannins are dusty and compact. Crushed stone. Exotic beauty covered in ultra fine spice power. Primary flavours to the fore. Intense display of Sangiovese. Stunning energy.

Points 98 TW

Uccelliera Voliero BdM 2017

Intense ruby red in colour.This exudes class from the off. Dried cherry, wild forest berries, orange peel, crushed sage and mint and sweet pipe tobacco. All held up on a bed of saline infused minerality and candid liquorice. Utterly compelling. Everything is perfectly woven together. My first tasting of this wine - not my last!

Points 94+ TW

Val di Suga BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Enticing fresh bouquet showing red cherry, clove, meat notes, liquorice, mint, grilled herbs, spice and blue florals. Depth in complex texture. Broad and succulent juice on mid palate. Balanced. If only it contained a little more weight. Terrific persistence.

Points 93 TW

Ventolaio BdM 2017

Pale ruby red in colour. Red cherry, raspberry, plum, rose petal aromas.

Soft entry with wild sour cherry notes that tend to dry out the palate. Falls away on the close.

Points 88 TW

Ventolaio BdM Riserva 2016

Pale ruby in colour. Red berries, dried orange peel, herbal underbrush. Tangy acidity. Does not to follow through. Light on its feet. A touch quirky.

Points 89 TW

Villa I Cipressi BdM 2017

Pale ruby red with purple undertones. Heady bouquet of red rose petal, dried cherry, wild strawberry and cake spice. Soft textures. Juicy. Long, focused and youthful.

Points 91 TW

Villa Poggio Salvi BdM 2017

Ruby red in colour. Black cherry, raspberry, red rose petal aromatics, boot polish and camphor. Juicy. Fresh. Zesty acids. Chewy tannins. Shows blood orange nuances. Minerality gives this wine a fresh lift. Good showing for this vintage.

Points 90 TW

Villa Poggio Salvi Pomona BdM 2017

Bright ruby red in colour. Racy from the start. Red berries, leather, underbrush, briny notes. Tension and yet suppleness. Balanced pleasant progression with thick but not aggressive tannins. Savoury. Very serious.

Points 92 TW

Villa Poggio Salvi BdM Riserva 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Black fruits abound, heady aromatics of plush florals, dried Mediterranean herbs. Youthful and tense tannins. Enveloping wine. Savoury and earthy.

Points 90TW

© Tony Wood Italian Wine