2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia
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Tasting notes
Dark woodland berries, pine and crushed rocks form an understated bouquet. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia is soft and round with a tart wave of ripe raspberry and mineral tones that penetrate deeply as zesty acidity works to maintain balance. Orange and exotic spice notes, along with gritty tannins, add cheek-puckering tension as the 2017 finishes long and stains with a lavender tinge. This is nicely balanced for the year and has excellent tannin management, which isn't often the case from the 2017 vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
From a hot and very dry vintage, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia reveals a dark garnet color with extra concentration and textural richness. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit, baked plum and toasted spice. Ugolaia is layered and rich, but despite the vintage intensity, the mouthfeel is medium in length and the wine finishes with bright freshness. Some 8,000 bottles were made.
Dried roses and cherries are lifted by hints of cinnamon and clove as the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia grumbles up from the glass. This is nearly velvety in feel, with a dense wave of tart wild berries complicated by hints of sour citrus and balsamic spice. Plum and licorice nuances linger on, as the 2017 finishes structured, yet not severely so, leaving hints of mocha and red currants. The Ugolaia is another example of the success that Lisini had in this difficult vintage. That said, it will require a number of years to come fully into focus.
Lustrous, deep ruby with orange tinges. Minerally and brooding on the nose and still quite closed. Lots of suave yet tangy fruit. A little bit massive right now but hugely promising and with firm but super-refined tannins. Long, layered and sappy finish. Stunning, but not ready by far. (WS)