Brunello di Montalcino
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be including within blends.
Read More
Brunello di Montalcino
Photo
AI Chat
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£229.24 |
|||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£338.44 |
|||||
|
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2008, a delight from one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions, Montalcino, situated in the heart of Tuscany. Showcasing meticulous endeavour, this wine was crafted under the adept hands of Bellaria, a revered producer reputed for its quality and commitment to traditional winemaking. Handpicked Sangiovese Grosso grapes were treated to an extended maceration, eventually maturing for 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in an exceptionally structured libation. Ruby red in colour, the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2008 delivers complex and pronounced aromatic notes of spice, ripe fruit, and a dash of vanilla, promising a full-bodied experience. On the palate, it is harmoniously balanced with refined tannins and a persistent finish, making it a perfect companion to hearty Italian dishes and aged cheeses. This sublime vintage, a testament to Bellaria's dedication to excellence, is a collector's gem and confirms Brunello's standing as one of Italy's finest. Indulge in this exclusive piece of viticulture today. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£349.24 |
|||||
|
From the storied vineyards of Tuscany, Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009 is a testament to Italian craftsmanship. Produced by the esteemed Bellaria winery, this vintage is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, grown in their finest vineyards. Aged for an extended period in Slavonian oak barrels, this wine exemplifies the best of the esteemed Brunello di Montalcino denomination. Its deep ruby hue conceals a symphony of flavours; decadent dark fruits, leather and spices play upon the palate, framed by robust tannins and an enduring finish. The 2009 vintage, in particular, is renowned for its harmonic complexity and longevity, ensuring the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009's evolution in the bottle for years to come. A keystone in any cellar collection, this is more than wine—it's artistry in a bottle. Experience the mastery of Bellaria's winemaking tradition with every sip of the Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£477.64 |
|||||
|
From the heart of Italy's prestigious winemaking region, the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010 is a classic representation of Tuscan mastery, each bottle expertly crafted by revered winemaker Gianni Bernazzi. Derived from an excellent vintage, this exquisite wine was created using only the finest hand-picked Sangiovese grapes, individually selected from the Bellaria vineyard in Montalcino, Tuscany. Matured for three years in large barrels and further refined in bottles, this process lends the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010 a harmonious blend of freshness and complexity. The result is a robust wine that presents a sensual bouquet of dark fruits, spices and leather, seamlessly balanced with a lingering, satisfying finish. Sip and savour the opulence of every drop of the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£361.24 |
|||||
|
Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2011, a quintessentially Tuscan wine, radiates elegance in every sip. From an illustrious family-owned estate in the heart of Tuscany lies a profound expression of Sangiovese Grosso grapes carefully nurtured and skilfully vinified. The Bellaria estate, operating since 1963, diligently follows traditional winemaking techniques to create this brilliant vintage while maintaining sustainability in every stage of the production process. This wine is aged for four years in French oak barrels, culminating in a harmony of complex aromas and robust flavours, with the extra year of ageing adding a further layer of depth and distinction. Graceful notes of ripe red fruit, spice, and leather define its character. The palate is rich, full-bodied and boasts an impressive tannic structure, yet maintains a delicate finesse. No matter the occasion, Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2011 serves as an excellent choice for those seeking sophistication and refinement in a bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 18 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£1,117.24 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Bright garnet. Immediately cool and fresh on the nose. More liquorice than most Brunellos. Elegant and polished leather. Lots of dusty tannin. Dry finish but with a special nobility. Very fragrant without any heat. Very dry on the end - but admirably uncompromising. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£951.64 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93)The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a beautiful wine laced with ethereal balsam tones, licorice, cola, dark fruit and forest floor. The acidity is evident but well-integrated within the thick textural richness of the wine. It closes slowly and quietly with a surprising flurry of delicate floral notes that pop up at the end. This well-built wine will hold for many years. Drink: 2017-2030. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£916.84 |
|||||
Vinous (96)"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a real knock-out. Rose petals, mint, sweet spices and flowers are some of the first notes that open up in the glass. Almost indescribably beautiful, the 2010 is a classic, austere Biondi Santi Brunello built to age. Although the 2010 is going to require considerable patience, its pedigree is quite apparent today. The 2010 constantly changes in the glass, revealing different shades of its multi-faceted personality, while the long, saline-infused finish is a thing of real beauty" |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 12 | 94 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£1,184.44 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (94)A few swirls of the glass release delicate, enticing aromas of red berry, rose, iris, tobacco, new leather and star anise on this elegant, almost ethereal wine. The restrained palate sneaks up you, offering tart cherry, crushed strawberry, white pepper and a note of black tea alongside a backbone of firm, refined tannins. Still primary and tight, it needs a few more years to fully open up and develop. Drink 2020–2031. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 4 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,975.27 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino exudes dark, velvety fruit and concentration while maintaining the signature elegance, suppleness and lithe personalty that distinguishes the iconic Il Greppo estate. I found this new release to be quite distinctive and exquisitely beautiful, setting it apart from many of the past vintages we are most familiar with. This 2015 edition is dark, exuberant and bold, but precise, focused and sharp as well. It will live for years in your cellar, but tasted now in its infancy, the wine shows blackberry, dried cherry, plum and dark cassis. Those dark fruit tones segue to a rich presentation of tar, spice, earth, tobacco and sweet balsam herb. The bouquet offers seamless and smooth transitions. This warm and sunny growing season favored richness and phenolic weight. Wines from Biondi-Santi are made for the long haul, and the fresh acidity that characterizes this estate is the principle reason why. However, I'd argue that this wine from 2015 will evolve over the years not only thanks to the freshness but more so thanks to the important structure of this solid and profound wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£894.04 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino exudes dark, velvety fruit and concentration while maintaining the signature elegance, suppleness and lithe personalty that distinguishes the iconic Il Greppo estate. I found this new release to be quite distinctive and exquisitely beautiful, setting it apart from many of the past vintages we are most familiar with. This 2015 edition is dark, exuberant and bold, but precise, focused and sharp as well. It will live for years in your cellar, but tasted now in its infancy, the wine shows blackberry, dried cherry, plum and dark cassis. Those dark fruit tones segue to a rich presentation of tar, spice, earth, tobacco and sweet balsam herb. The bouquet offers seamless and smooth transitions. This warm and sunny growing season favored richness and phenolic weight. Wines from Biondi-Santi are made for the long haul, and the fresh acidity that characterizes this estate is the principle reason why. However, I'd argue that this wine from 2015 will evolve over the years not only thanks to the freshness but more so thanks to the important structure of this solid and profound wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 98 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£491.21 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (98)Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It's still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£1,294.84 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (98)Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It's still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 9 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£520.01 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£951.64 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£516.41 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino will be released on March 1, 2024. The color is medium red/garnet, and the nose opens to fresh aromas of orange citrus peel, dusty earth, cranberry, spices, and juniper. Medium-bodied and more linear, it lifts through the palate with fine tannins and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. It has a great saline feel and is a savory and fresh wine. This is a Brunello I’d love to drink over the next 10 years for its accessibility and refined texture, although I imagine it will also have some real potential for cellaring. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£1,089.64 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino will be released on March 1, 2024. The color is medium red/garnet, and the nose opens to fresh aromas of orange citrus peel, dusty earth, cranberry, spices, and juniper. Medium-bodied and more linear, it lifts through the palate with fine tannins and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. It has a great saline feel and is a savory and fresh wine. This is a Brunello I’d love to drink over the next 10 years for its accessibility and refined texture, although I imagine it will also have some real potential for cellaring. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 12 | - |
Inc. VAT
£891.85 |
|||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 99 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,023.20 |
|||||
Vinous (99)It’s almost impossible to imagine that the 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica has just celebrated its thirty-sixth birthday. It displays a brilliant ruby red color and amazing clarity in the glass, with only the slightest bricking around the rim. The bouquet alone is enough to keep you at the edge of your seat, as if opening a cedar treasure box to find dusty rose and sour cherry offset by spiced orange, crushed dried sage and just the slightest hint of animal musk. This is total class, cool-toned and poised, seeming to hover across the palate with an air of red inner florals, as tart woodland berries mix with hints of black tea and lemon oils. There’s a bolt of nervous acidity that keeps the experience remarkably fresh, but also adds a highly attractive sweet and sour note. And finally, while structured and youthful in feel, it finishes completely fresh, vibrant even, with dried currants enlivened by nuances of grapefruit and mint that linger on and on. This is an experience wine in every sense of the word, hailing from a dry and warm harvest yet exemplifying the purity of Sangiovese, as well as its ability to mature for well over three decades. The 1985 La Storica comes directly from the winery’s aging vault, and it was reconditioned with a new cork in 2000. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£2,419.24 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Fantastic aromas of coffee, tea leaf, ripe plums and ginger follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a rich and subtle finish. The is dense and powerful yet very refined and reserved. It needs at least five years to show its true character. One of the most refined Biondi-Santi riservas I can remember. The tannin texture is exceptional. Try in 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 100 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£648.80 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)The Riserva 2012 is a quintessential Biondi Santi Riserva, reflecting not just the house style that made the firm famous, but it clearly shows Franco’s own hallmark of extreme elegance. The 2012 is a classic in the making, boasting enticing scents of rose, underbrush, wild red berry, new leather and underlying notes of crushed mint. It has a chiseled palate, featuring Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 100 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£1,488.02 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)The Riserva 2012 is a quintessential Biondi Santi Riserva, reflecting not just the house style that made the firm famous, but it clearly shows Franco’s own hallmark of extreme elegance. The 2012 is a classic in the making, boasting enticing scents of rose, underbrush, wild red berry, new leather and underlying notes of crushed mint. It has a chiseled palate, featuring Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,299.62 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it's worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,000.01 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 8 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,453.22 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 4 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,255.61 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (99)Wow, here is a vintage I've been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector's bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 8 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,461.62 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (99)Wow, here is a vintage I've been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector's bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 28 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£788.44 |
|||||
Vinous (92)There’s a purity and savory refinement to the 2017 Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo that transcends the expectations of this warm and dry vintage. A perfumed display of wild strawberries, fresh roses, violets and a dusting of minerals lift up from the glass. Its textures are silky, carried across a feminine frame, with bright cherries and inner herbal tones that find vibrancy through a core of brilliant acidity. Nuanced tannins and dried berries linger, leaving a lightly structured yet very pretty impression. This is a great introduction to the Biondi-Santi portfolio and deserves the moniker of “Baby Brunello''. That said, the 2017 could use another year of cellaring to further unlock its inner beauty. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 7 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£868.84 |
|||||
Vinous (92)A bright, vibrant red in the glass, the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino takes its time, slowly unfolding to show pretty roses and hints of cherry, leather and Tuscan dust. It’s silky and caressing on the palate, revealing outstanding purity with a vivid display of wild strawberry and minerals. The 2018 then takes a turn toward the savory side, becoming quite mineral yet remaining juicy and remarkably fresh for such a young Rosso. While this is a bit of a departure from the typical “Baby Brunello” style of the Biondi-Santi Rosso, I find it quite attractive and a nice option for enjoying the house style without buying up to the bigger wines. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£434.44 |
|||||
Vinous (92)The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its dusty mix of dried strawberries and currants offset by lifting nuances of shaved pine and mint. Soft and round in expression, the 2019 impresses on its lush textures and vivid wild berry fruit. Through it all, a core of saline tension builds, mingling minerals with gentle tannins, as the 2019 finishes with a staining of concentration, yet maintains a lovely freshness. |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
In Bond
£175.00 |
|||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | - |
In Bond
£266.00 |
|||||
|
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2008, a delight from one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions, Montalcino, situated in the heart of Tuscany. Showcasing meticulous endeavour, this wine was crafted under the adept hands of Bellaria, a revered producer reputed for its quality and commitment to traditional winemaking. Handpicked Sangiovese Grosso grapes were treated to an extended maceration, eventually maturing for 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in an exceptionally structured libation. Ruby red in colour, the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2008 delivers complex and pronounced aromatic notes of spice, ripe fruit, and a dash of vanilla, promising a full-bodied experience. On the palate, it is harmoniously balanced with refined tannins and a persistent finish, making it a perfect companion to hearty Italian dishes and aged cheeses. This sublime vintage, a testament to Bellaria's dedication to excellence, is a collector's gem and confirms Brunello's standing as one of Italy's finest. Indulge in this exclusive piece of viticulture today. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
In Bond
£275.00 |
|||||
|
From the storied vineyards of Tuscany, Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009 is a testament to Italian craftsmanship. Produced by the esteemed Bellaria winery, this vintage is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, grown in their finest vineyards. Aged for an extended period in Slavonian oak barrels, this wine exemplifies the best of the esteemed Brunello di Montalcino denomination. Its deep ruby hue conceals a symphony of flavours; decadent dark fruits, leather and spices play upon the palate, framed by robust tannins and an enduring finish. The 2009 vintage, in particular, is renowned for its harmonic complexity and longevity, ensuring the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009's evolution in the bottle for years to come. A keystone in any cellar collection, this is more than wine—it's artistry in a bottle. Experience the mastery of Bellaria's winemaking tradition with every sip of the Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2009. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | - |
In Bond
£382.00 |
|||||
|
From the heart of Italy's prestigious winemaking region, the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010 is a classic representation of Tuscan mastery, each bottle expertly crafted by revered winemaker Gianni Bernazzi. Derived from an excellent vintage, this exquisite wine was created using only the finest hand-picked Sangiovese grapes, individually selected from the Bellaria vineyard in Montalcino, Tuscany. Matured for three years in large barrels and further refined in bottles, this process lends the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010 a harmonious blend of freshness and complexity. The result is a robust wine that presents a sensual bouquet of dark fruits, spices and leather, seamlessly balanced with a lingering, satisfying finish. Sip and savour the opulence of every drop of the Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2010. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | - |
In Bond
£285.00 |
|||||
|
Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2011, a quintessentially Tuscan wine, radiates elegance in every sip. From an illustrious family-owned estate in the heart of Tuscany lies a profound expression of Sangiovese Grosso grapes carefully nurtured and skilfully vinified. The Bellaria estate, operating since 1963, diligently follows traditional winemaking techniques to create this brilliant vintage while maintaining sustainability in every stage of the production process. This wine is aged for four years in French oak barrels, culminating in a harmony of complex aromas and robust flavours, with the extra year of ageing adding a further layer of depth and distinction. Graceful notes of ripe red fruit, spice, and leather define its character. The palate is rich, full-bodied and boasts an impressive tannic structure, yet maintains a delicate finesse. No matter the occasion, Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2011 serves as an excellent choice for those seeking sophistication and refinement in a bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 18 (JR) |
In Bond
£915.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Bright garnet. Immediately cool and fresh on the nose. More liquorice than most Brunellos. Elegant and polished leather. Lots of dusty tannin. Dry finish but with a special nobility. Very fragrant without any heat. Very dry on the end - but admirably uncompromising. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
£777.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93)The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a beautiful wine laced with ethereal balsam tones, licorice, cola, dark fruit and forest floor. The acidity is evident but well-integrated within the thick textural richness of the wine. It closes slowly and quietly with a surprising flurry of delicate floral notes that pop up at the end. This well-built wine will hold for many years. Drink: 2017-2030. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£748.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a real knock-out. Rose petals, mint, sweet spices and flowers are some of the first notes that open up in the glass. Almost indescribably beautiful, the 2010 is a classic, austere Biondi Santi Brunello built to age. Although the 2010 is going to require considerable patience, its pedigree is quite apparent today. The 2010 constantly changes in the glass, revealing different shades of its multi-faceted personality, while the long, saline-infused finish is a thing of real beauty" |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 12 | 94 (WE) |
In Bond
£971.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (94)A few swirls of the glass release delicate, enticing aromas of red berry, rose, iris, tobacco, new leather and star anise on this elegant, almost ethereal wine. The restrained palate sneaks up you, offering tart cherry, crushed strawberry, white pepper and a note of black tea alongside a backbone of firm, refined tannins. Still primary and tight, it needs a few more years to fully open up and develop. Drink 2020–2031. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 4 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,614.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino exudes dark, velvety fruit and concentration while maintaining the signature elegance, suppleness and lithe personalty that distinguishes the iconic Il Greppo estate. I found this new release to be quite distinctive and exquisitely beautiful, setting it apart from many of the past vintages we are most familiar with. This 2015 edition is dark, exuberant and bold, but precise, focused and sharp as well. It will live for years in your cellar, but tasted now in its infancy, the wine shows blackberry, dried cherry, plum and dark cassis. Those dark fruit tones segue to a rich presentation of tar, spice, earth, tobacco and sweet balsam herb. The bouquet offers seamless and smooth transitions. This warm and sunny growing season favored richness and phenolic weight. Wines from Biondi-Santi are made for the long haul, and the fresh acidity that characterizes this estate is the principle reason why. However, I'd argue that this wine from 2015 will evolve over the years not only thanks to the freshness but more so thanks to the important structure of this solid and profound wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£729.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino exudes dark, velvety fruit and concentration while maintaining the signature elegance, suppleness and lithe personalty that distinguishes the iconic Il Greppo estate. I found this new release to be quite distinctive and exquisitely beautiful, setting it apart from many of the past vintages we are most familiar with. This 2015 edition is dark, exuberant and bold, but precise, focused and sharp as well. It will live for years in your cellar, but tasted now in its infancy, the wine shows blackberry, dried cherry, plum and dark cassis. Those dark fruit tones segue to a rich presentation of tar, spice, earth, tobacco and sweet balsam herb. The bouquet offers seamless and smooth transitions. This warm and sunny growing season favored richness and phenolic weight. Wines from Biondi-Santi are made for the long haul, and the fresh acidity that characterizes this estate is the principle reason why. However, I'd argue that this wine from 2015 will evolve over the years not only thanks to the freshness but more so thanks to the important structure of this solid and profound wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 98 (WE) |
In Bond
£404.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (98)Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It's still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (WE) |
In Bond
£1,063.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (98)Aromas of rose petal, dark spice, woodland berries and camphor form the nose on this fragrant, elegant wine. Loaded with finesse, the linear, savory palate features red cherry, orange zest, star anise and black tea alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It's still youthfully austere, with fantastic aging potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 9 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£428.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£777.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 5 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£425.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino will be released on March 1, 2024. The color is medium red/garnet, and the nose opens to fresh aromas of orange citrus peel, dusty earth, cranberry, spices, and juniper. Medium-bodied and more linear, it lifts through the palate with fine tannins and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. It has a great saline feel and is a savory and fresh wine. This is a Brunello I’d love to drink over the next 10 years for its accessibility and refined texture, although I imagine it will also have some real potential for cellaring. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£892.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino will be released on March 1, 2024. The color is medium red/garnet, and the nose opens to fresh aromas of orange citrus peel, dusty earth, cranberry, spices, and juniper. Medium-bodied and more linear, it lifts through the palate with fine tannins and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. It has a great saline feel and is a savory and fresh wine. This is a Brunello I’d love to drink over the next 10 years for its accessibility and refined texture, although I imagine it will also have some real potential for cellaring. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 12 | - |
In Bond
£740.00 |
|||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 99 (VN) |
In Bond
£850.00 |
|||||
Vinous (99)It’s almost impossible to imagine that the 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica has just celebrated its thirty-sixth birthday. It displays a brilliant ruby red color and amazing clarity in the glass, with only the slightest bricking around the rim. The bouquet alone is enough to keep you at the edge of your seat, as if opening a cedar treasure box to find dusty rose and sour cherry offset by spiced orange, crushed dried sage and just the slightest hint of animal musk. This is total class, cool-toned and poised, seeming to hover across the palate with an air of red inner florals, as tart woodland berries mix with hints of black tea and lemon oils. There’s a bolt of nervous acidity that keeps the experience remarkably fresh, but also adds a highly attractive sweet and sour note. And finally, while structured and youthful in feel, it finishes completely fresh, vibrant even, with dried currants enlivened by nuances of grapefruit and mint that linger on and on. This is an experience wine in every sense of the word, hailing from a dry and warm harvest yet exemplifying the purity of Sangiovese, as well as its ability to mature for well over three decades. The 1985 La Storica comes directly from the winery’s aging vault, and it was reconditioned with a new cork in 2000. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£2,000.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Fantastic aromas of coffee, tea leaf, ripe plums and ginger follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a rich and subtle finish. The is dense and powerful yet very refined and reserved. It needs at least five years to show its true character. One of the most refined Biondi-Santi riservas I can remember. The tannin texture is exceptional. Try in 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 100 (WE) |
In Bond
£538.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)The Riserva 2012 is a quintessential Biondi Santi Riserva, reflecting not just the house style that made the firm famous, but it clearly shows Franco’s own hallmark of extreme elegance. The 2012 is a classic in the making, boasting enticing scents of rose, underbrush, wild red berry, new leather and underlying notes of crushed mint. It has a chiseled palate, featuring Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 100 (WE) |
In Bond
£1,232.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)The Riserva 2012 is a quintessential Biondi Santi Riserva, reflecting not just the house style that made the firm famous, but it clearly shows Franco’s own hallmark of extreme elegance. The 2012 is a classic in the making, boasting enticing scents of rose, underbrush, wild red berry, new leather and underlying notes of crushed mint. It has a chiseled palate, featuring Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,075.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it's worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£828.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 8 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,203.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 4 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,041.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (99)Wow, here is a vintage I've been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector's bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 8 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,210.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (99)Wow, here is a vintage I've been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector's bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 28 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£641.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)There’s a purity and savory refinement to the 2017 Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo that transcends the expectations of this warm and dry vintage. A perfumed display of wild strawberries, fresh roses, violets and a dusting of minerals lift up from the glass. Its textures are silky, carried across a feminine frame, with bright cherries and inner herbal tones that find vibrancy through a core of brilliant acidity. Nuanced tannins and dried berries linger, leaving a lightly structured yet very pretty impression. This is a great introduction to the Biondi-Santi portfolio and deserves the moniker of “Baby Brunello''. That said, the 2017 could use another year of cellaring to further unlock its inner beauty. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 7 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£708.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)A bright, vibrant red in the glass, the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino takes its time, slowly unfolding to show pretty roses and hints of cherry, leather and Tuscan dust. It’s silky and caressing on the palate, revealing outstanding purity with a vivid display of wild strawberry and minerals. The 2018 then takes a turn toward the savory side, becoming quite mineral yet remaining juicy and remarkably fresh for such a young Rosso. While this is a bit of a departure from the typical “Baby Brunello” style of the Biondi-Santi Rosso, I find it quite attractive and a nice option for enjoying the house style without buying up to the bigger wines. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£346.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its dusty mix of dried strawberries and currants offset by lifting nuances of shaved pine and mint. Soft and round in expression, the 2019 impresses on its lush textures and vivid wild berry fruit. Through it all, a core of saline tension builds, mingling minerals with gentle tannins, as the 2019 finishes with a staining of concentration, yet maintains a lovely freshness. |
|||||||||
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be included within blends.
