Brunello di Montalcino

The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is generous with cherry lozenge, Mediterranean herbs, lavender, and scorched mineral earth, and it is full-bodied, with black cherry, tea leaf, turned soil, and charred rosemary. The palate is full and generous, with ripe yet present tannins, notes of plum, blackberry, and cedar, light smokiness on the finish. Drink 2024-2040.

Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2017 Brunello di Montalcino definitely shows some of the heat of the vintage, and I think this impression is reinforced by the location of this property on the southern side of the appellation, where temperatures are normally a few degrees higher on average. The winemaking team at this historic estate is not deterred by hot vintages, and their winemaking protocol captures the freshness and brightness of Sangiovese nonetheless. In fact, the alcohol content here measured 14.5%, which is almost contained, compared to some other wines in this report from cooler subzones. A learned comfort with organic farming is key to this wine's detailed aromas of black cherry, crushed rose and Mediterranean herb