It's that time of year again: Brunello pre-sale, Brunello pre-sale!! The below is a mix from the esteemed 2018 vintage with older and riserva releases.
Brunello tends to be a bit polarizing, not sure why but I strive every day to get more traditional Burgundy and Bordeaux on board. There are definitely a handful of producers who are doing oak bombs and I know it has that reputation of being a Wall St. dinner wine, but there are really so many leaps and bounds made in the last decade that these stereotypes are very undeserving. Today's better Brunellos are well structured, unique, ethereal and meant for the beauty of the cellar, with, on average, a 10 year window into it's sensual beauty being awaken. Equally, prices have not gone up too much in recent times and for the money, these are still good value. If you are unsure in anyway, today is a good day to try some.
Make 2023 your Brunello year!
- Wine is Available for Shipment This Spring!
- 10% off any 6, 15% off any 12
- Detailed scores are not out yet, only numbers which I have provided below when applicable.
Gianni Brunelli
“Over the last few years, Le Chiuse di Sotto has really dialed up the quality and must now be considered one of the leading estates in Montalcino.” – Antonio Galloni
2021 Gianni Brunelli Rosso di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $44.99
2018 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $194.99
JS 93
Ciacci Piccolomini
“Brother-and-sister team Paolo and Lucia Bianchini continue to make excellent Brunellos in the tradition of their father, Giuseppe, who died in 2004. They are better employing their new modern cellars, which were completed last year, and continue to maintain their south-facing vineyards at near pristine levels. The Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultrafine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well. The Bianchini family was gifted its Brunello estate in 1985 by Countess Elda Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, who had no heirs; Giuseppe had been the estate manager.” — The WineSpectator, July 31, 2007
2021 Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $231.99
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $67.99
JS 95
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso
Newsletter Price: $98.99
JS 97
Uccelliera
“Andrea Cortonesi reflects the best of the artisan spirit in Montalcino. The Uccelleria wines are rich, layered and beautifully textured.” – Antonio Galloni
“Without a shadow of a doubt, Andrea Cortonesi of Uccelliera lands high on my list of favorite Brunello di Montalcino producers.” – The Wine Advocate
2018 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $81.99
JS 93
2019 Uccelliera Rapace
Newsletter Price: $41.99
JS 91Le Potazzine“Le Potazzine makes one of the most pedigreed Rossos readers will come across.” – Antonio Galloni2018 Le Potazzine Brunello di Montalcino
Newsletter Price: $104.99
Vinous 94+
Cerbaie
Since the medieval times this area has been prized for vineyards, and in fact Ian d’Agata refers to it as grand cru in his book Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs “Casanuova delle Cerbaie own 1.5 hectares in Montosoli’s sweet spot, and its vines were planted in 1999.” The winery was founded in the late 1970s but since 2008 it has been owned by an American investor with a passion for classically styled Montalcino wines. The vineyards are farmed according to organic protocols, though they are not certified; all fermentations are spontaneous, and all aging is done in Stockinger casks from 20 – 25 hectoliters in size. Approximately 3000 cases, mostly of Brunello, are produced each year. In rare vintages, a single vineyard Montosoli Riserva is made, but it’s only happened six times in the last twenty years. Otherwise, the Brunello is a blend of fruit from the Montosoli and Casanuova holdings.
2016 Cerbaie Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Newsletter Price: $119.99
JS 95
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