Vinous (94)

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a remarkably pretty bouquet of rosy florals, ripe strawberry, and subtle spice, as the 2015 Col di Lamo evolves into a more savory display, with hints of rosemary and black olive. On the palate, silky textures give way to a savory blend of crushed cherry and raspberry, with hints of spicy citrus, rosy florals, and mineral tones developing over a coating of fine tannins. The finish is long, resonating on floral-laced red fruits and savory spice with a tug of youthful tannin on the cheek. This is a wonderfully pure, balanced, and enjoyable expression of the vintage.

Vinous (90)

The 2016 Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known with an extroverted yet highly seductive display, mixing medicinal cherry, pine shavings, sage, mocha, cinnamon and cloves. It’s soft in feel with a pure showing of red berries and minerals, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. This finishes structured and dry with just a hint of licorice and red currant.

Vinous (94+)

Vivid dark red. Ripe aromas of red cherry, blood orange and stone fruit. Smooth, dense and juicy, with flavors similar to the aromas but complicated by notes of fresh herbs, sweet spices and hints of flint. Long and suave, with noble but youthfully chewy tannins providing support. Knockout classic Brunello, in fact, one of the year’s best.

Vinous (96)

Very deep red. Flinty, floral red cherry and underbrush on the enticing, very pure, precise nose. Then silky and suave, with ripe red cherry, underbrush and savory spices lingering nicely on the long creamy finish. Another classic, outstanding Brunello from Costanti, who has made a few in his time.

Decanter (98)

After sitting out the 2014 vintage, Andrea Costanti calls 2015 a beautiful year and one of the best in the history of Brunello. He deemed it exceptional enough to craft a Riserva (to be released in 2021) yet his classic Brunello hasn't suffered for it. In fact, it's one of the greatest successes of the vintage. Gorgeous, seductive aromas are already expressive but still youthful. Cherry and plum are enveloped by exotic spice and a faint smokiness. The palate is plush and velvety with layers of powdery tannins that build, and tangy acid that cleanses the palate. Hedonistic but brilliantly balanced, it is hard to resist now but the best is definitely yet to come.

Decanter (98)

After sitting out the 2014 vintage, Andrea Costanti calls 2015 a beautiful year and one of the best in the history of Brunello. He deemed it exceptional enough to craft a Riserva (to be released in 2021) yet his classic Brunello hasn't suffered for it. In fact, it's one of the greatest successes of the vintage. Gorgeous, seductive aromas are already expressive but still youthful. Cherry and plum are enveloped by exotic spice and a faint smokiness. The palate is plush and velvety with layers of powdery tannins that build, and tangy acid that cleanses the palate. Hedonistic but brilliantly balanced, it is hard to resist now but the best is definitely yet to come.

Wine Enthusiast (99)

This savory stunner has enticing scents of violet, rose and wild berry that gain complexity alongside notes of leather, camphor and sandalwood. The elegantly structured palate is all about precision, featuring juicy cherry, blood orange, star anise and tobacco framed in taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Extremely elegant and focused, this compelling wine defies the heat of the vintage, starting with a heady fragrance of ripe dark-skinned berries, violet, camphor, dark spice and whiffs of crushed herbs. On the linear, elegantly structured palate, tightly woven but extremely polished tannins accompany juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and white pepper while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and fresh. Drink 2025–2032

Kerin O'Keefe (99)

Perfumed berry, pine forest, new leather and violet aromas mingle with enticing scents of vineyard dust that segue into underbrush and nutmeg. Linear, lithe and all about elegance, the savory palate has great energy that lifts juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and tangy saline notes that linger on the close. Tight but refined tannins and vibrant acidity keep it youthfully tense and impeccably balanced. Those who love power and might could be surprised by its almost ethereal quality, but lovers of finesse, depth and balance will swoon in delight.

Decanter (100)

I remember tasting Costanti’s 2019 Rosso di Montalcino in 2021 and thinking how Brunello-esque it was: the sturdy structure was almost uncharacteristic, yet it certainly boded well for the Brunello. Simply gloriously sculpted, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is indeed statuesque and stately. While it doesn’t give everything up all at once, it is gracious in its presentation. From chestnut forest and sweet earth, to anise and orange extract, the aromas are visceral, and boundless depths of wild red berries suffuse the palate. It vibrates with scintillating acidity and long, tactile tannins which stretch out leisurely. I bet that Rosso has hit its stride now – if you have some, it’s what you'll want to drink while waiting for this captivatingly beautiful Brunello. I can't help but imagine what next year’s Riserva release has in store.

Vinous (98)

Vivid deep red. Musky, deep, mineral-tinged aromas of red cherry, violet and crystallized orange peel. Sweet, lush and packed with red fruit, blood orange nectar and savory underbrush flavors; a step up in sheer size from Costanti’s 2013 Brunello. At once powerful and refined, this seriously saturates the palate with flavor, vibrant minerality and noble tannins. This is everything a great Brunello ought to be.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.

Wine Enthusiast (100)

This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.

James Suckling (97)

This has an unwonted, intensely floral note of eucalyptus and tee tree oil, which makes it immediately recognizable against other 2015 Brunellos. Besides that, there are ripe rose stems and dried lavender. It has a racy core of boisterous berries that dive inwards and outwards of firm, structured tannins. The juxtaposition of steely resolve and intense florals are quite remarkable. Very classy. Drink from 2025.

Wine Advocate (95)

Softer for sure compared to the 2016 wines, and more abundant in personality, the Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Mannella is very expressive of the sunny, warm and luminous growing season. Rich fruit flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis are interwoven with spice, sweet tobacco and balsam herb. This wine is fermented in steel for 25 days and is then racked into oak for a long 48-months élevage. This wine is only made in the best years, and it draws its fruit from the estate's oldest vines, which are 37 years old. A mere 3,658 bottles were made. The tannins are a bit bitter and youthful, so give this wine more cellar time.

Wine Advocate (94)

The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.

Wine Advocate (96+)

The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggiarelli draws its fruit from a vineyard planted in the 1970s and replanted in part during the 1990s. Its fruit has made this designate wine since 1998, and like many of the Selezioni (and the Brunello cru expressions), this wine shows a pretty mineral character that lifts above the bright red fruit. It's absolutely true that these special sections from Montalcino are always recognized by their terrain or soil-adjacent aromas. In this case, I can smell those flinty or gravel-like tones from the schistous Galestro rocks. That special aromatic signature is followed by dark fruit and balsam herb, firm tannins and bright acidity. This is a limited 4,000-bottle release.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino dazzles with a bright mix of confectionary cherry, candied citrus and exotic spice forming its sweetly seductive bouquet. This smooths over the palate with total elegance, velvety yet refined, with masses of ripe black cherry complemented by sweet herbs and hints of dark chocolate. It finishes with a coating of silky-fine tannins that lingers, more of an accent than an obstacle, as the 2018 tapers off with nuances of spiced orange and clove. Cupano has produced an incredibly beautiful interpretation of the vintage, which does show a bit of its new-oak influence, but with style.

Vinous (93)

Bright red. Violet, herbs and faded flowers on the fragrant nose. The red cherry, licorice and orange peel flavors show good inner-mouth perfume and a youthfully chewy quality, plus a subtle hint of leather at the back that adds complexity. Strikes me as being the best entry-level Brunello from Tiezzi in years.

Vinous (93)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Soccorso from Tiezzi boasts an extroverted display of ripe blackberry complemented by notes of dried orange, minty herbs, tobacco and finally hints of mocha. It’s texturally deep and layered, ushering in wave after wave of ripe black cherries and plums contrasted by zesty acids and hints of sour citrus. Its tannins steadily build throughout the experience, sneaking up on you while drying out the 2016’s fruits and creating a clenching feel on the palate under an air of violet florals and hints of tobacco. It’s a dark, large-scaled and beastly expression of Brunello, but it is sure to have its fans.

Vinous (90)

(15% alcohol): Bright red. Floral red berries and spicy red cherry on the bright nose. Then fresh and clean in the mouth, with mineral and inky notes complementing sweet dark cherry and underbrush flavors. The long finish features supple tannins and a repeating inky nuance. Much better than the 2007 Brunello normale.

Experience the depth of Italian winemaking with the exquisite Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino 2006. Crafted by the Padelletti sisters in Tuscany, its unique blend is renowned among the connoisseurs of fine wines. Highly praised for its organic winemaking methods, the vineyard embodies traditions dating back six generations. The grapes are hand-harvested, yeasts naturally fermented and ageing takes place in large Slavonian oak barrels, highlighting the Padelletti's vigour for authenticity and quality.

This exceptional wine enchants with an intense aroma of red cherries, liquorice and earthy spices. The palate is invigorated by the wine's remarkable structure, harmonious tannins, and an enduring, satisfying finish. The Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino 2006 is a symphony of deep, resonant flavours that truly encapsulates the spirit of its pristine Tuscan origin. Enjoy this extraordinary wine to enliven special occasions or to simply cater your finest gourmet escapades.

An embodiment of exquisite Tuscan winemaking tradition, the Fornace Origini Brunello Montalcino 2015 is a remarkable expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showcasing the acclaimed terroir of Montalcino. Produced by Fornace, known for maintaining meticulous care for the vineyards and employing refined viticulture techniques for selection and vinification. This wine is aged for 36 months meticulously in Slavonian oak casks, adding rich notes of oak and tana to the intense fruit flavour of dark cherry and pomegranate. Its structure is perfectly layered, supported by velvety tannins and a lingering finish, making this Brunello Di Montalcino an excellent example of Fornace's commitment to produce top-tier Italian wines.

A testament to the splendid 2015 vintage, the Fornace Origini Brunello Montalcino 2015 offers a luxurious addition to a curated wine collection or a singularly unique indulgence for lovers of fine Italian wine. Endowed with potentials for further bottle ageing, it is a wine ready to unveil its evolving complexities with time.

Vinous (93+)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is delicious. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spices jump from the glass as this bold, fruit-driven Brunello fleshes out, showing off its extroverted personality. Layers of intense fruit continue to build as the wine opens up in the glass. Ideally, readers should give the 2010 a few years in bottle for the tannins to settle down a bit. This is a fine effort from Fossacolle.