2015 Brunello di Montalcino Schiena d'Asino
Buying options
Tasting notes
A gorgeous display of sweet rose and lavender evolves further to reveal cinnamon-dusted black cherries and nuances of mint as the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino blossoms in the glass. There are depths of velvety textures enlivened by vibrant acidity, becoming quite spicy as tart woodland berries give way to balsam herbs. Salty minerals mix with hints of ginger cookie to create a stunning push and pull of savory versus sweet tension as this tapers off lightly structured. Frankly, it is a pleasure to taste. The 2015 may not be the longest-lived edition of the Vigna Schiena d’Aine, but it is stunning and should not be missed.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Vigna Schiena D’Asino Brunello Di Montalcino has a deep ruby hue with ripe cherry fruit, licorice, and mineral earth. The palate has gushy fruit that is persistent and long, with equal structure. Drink 2024-2036. Mastrojanni is in the southeast of Montalcino. Since 2008, they have been operated by Gruppo Illy, who have contributed significant investment in the vineyard and winery. They have 110 hectares, 40 of them dedicated to vineyard.
Here's a wine that embodies the spirit of the vintage. It comes from a small one-hectare vineyard site located on the crest of a hill, or the so-called "donkey's spine" maybe because it looks like a schiena d'asino or maybe because the labor-intensive farming broke its proverbial back. The Mastrojanni 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino shows a sweet spot with ripe red cherry and plump blackberry or plum. It segues slowly to spice, tar and licorice. This wine is a bit more streamlined and linear compared to the Vigna Loreto, and the Vigna Schiena d'Asino is also longer, deeper and more nuanced in comparison. It finishes with a beautiful blast of bight cherry. This wine is truly beautiful. Only 6,000 bottles were made, and we can look forward to this wine's release in September 2020.
Mid ruby. A little stalky and reductive on the nose. Ripe fruit and dark, bittersweet tannins but building a unity. Concentrated, almost rich fruit and tannic grip on the finish. Can already be approached but is set to gain in complexity with more bottle age. (WS)