2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione
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Tasting notes
Pouring a pure ruby hue, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino offers up a musky cologne of wildflowers, raspberry liqueur, baby powder, polished leather, and wet stone. It is medium-bodied, with good concentration that gives way to a soft stony texture, fine-grained tannins, and fresh acidity. Notes of blood orange, red cherry, boysenberry, and crushed rocks are followed by a delicate and pleasant saline note that lingers with a mouthwatering effect. This elegantly balanced wine is drinking well in its youth and will deliver over the coming 15-20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Made with certified organic fruit, the Salicutti 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione opens to a light ruby color with pretty color saturation and an elegantly lean appearance. This is exactly what you want to see in a vibrant, young Brunello. I would say that the aromas are textbook as well, in a very positive manner. The bouquet opens to fragrant rose and wild cherry. You get so much varietal character here with background tones of licorice, crushed stone and candied orange peel. There is some tannic firmness, but this will soften with time. This beautiful wine should fully embrace more cellar aging. The Piaggione site is characterized by rocky schistous galestro soils. This is a production of 6,450 bottles and 100 magnums.
Like cracking open an ashen stone only to find a bevy of dried flowers, curry leaves, cloves and currants, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione makes itself known. This gracefully races across the palate with ripe textural fruits and sweet spices, all energized by a core of juicy acidity. Silky tannins frame the long and classically dry finale, as nuances of salted licorice and medicinal cherry echo on and on. There’s such inner beauty and vibrancy here, yet patience will be required to enjoy the 2018 Piaggione to its full effect.
Mid ruby with orange tinges. A reductive, stalky nose that needs aeration and time to open up, after which some classy fruit turns up. Lots of tannins that are a little dry, but not rough, and perfectly balance the fruit. Still a little austere, but with lots of promise. (WS)