Gianni Brunelli : Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Slightly earthy, almost tarry nose of deep red and dark fruit and hints of chocolate and spices. The palate shows balance and poise, with a medium to full body, very fine tannins and vivid acidity. Smooth and well integrated, with a lingering, lightly savory finish. Better from 2028.

Rather than producing two single-vineyard Brunellos, owner Laura Vacca chooses to blend plots from the estate’s distinct sites. With a northwest exposure and predominantly clay soil, Le Chiuse di Sotto imparts cool, fragrant elegance, while the warmer, stony Podernovone property in Montalcino’s southeast delivers ripeness and grip. The 2021 possesses its signature stunning scents – dusty violet, sage, mint and tarragon. It is packed with joyful, luscious fruit, the dark red cherry and fleshy peach effortlessly balanced with sophisticated, gracious tannins that tug assertively on the mineral-soaked finish.

Pouring a bright red hue, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino is persistent and fantastic, with youthful tension and expressive aromatics of Bing cherries, orange zest, and iron-tinged earth. The palate is medium-bodied and focused, with refined tannins, refreshing acidity, and savory length framed by salty earth and bright fruit through the finish. It’s a complete, elegant Brunello that should continue to improve with time in bottle. Drink 2027-2047.