2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva, which was raised in French and Slavonian large oak barrels, pours a bright ruby color and is aromatic of candied red cherries, chocolate covered orange peel, and anise. It’s more linear in this cool vintage, with medium body, although it has nice balance and a weightless feel. Offering ripe tannins and an elegant, fresh finish, it’s a very well-styled Riserva that’s going to show at its best over the next 12-15 years or so.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Smoky sandalwood from the barrel, along with crunchy raspberry and cigar box, rose petals, this is good quality, not yet ready to drink, oak just a little overly dominant. I would still look to the 2016 vintage of this wine, but there is plenty to enjoy here. First release after 30 months in barrel and 30 months in bottle.
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has dried spice over dark fruit and hints of campfire ash. The wine is smooth and velvety in terms of texture with fine, chalky tannins and a drying sensation on the close. Only 5,800 bottles were made. All of these new releases show a high 15% alcohol content, but perhaps you feel the heat most in this Riserva.
Dark, almost impenetrable ruby. Firm and concentrated and with youthful vigour. Sappy, long and concentrated cherry fruit with lots of acidity backed up by plenty of stuffing. Elegant, long, coating tannins on the finish. Real Riserva quality; needs more time in the bottle. (WS)