2020 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
From a mix of seven to eight estate parcels around the castle and brought up mostly in 5,000-liter Slavonian oak, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is pure and beautifully composed. The nose reveals ripe red cherries, fresh orange, pressed flowers, suede, and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a clean, mouthwatering finish that makes it hard to resist early. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. Located on the northern slopes of the Montalcino region, surrounded by forest, Castello di Romitorio has produced wines that were impressive across the range, expressive of purity, mineral intensity, finesse, and power without weight. The tannin management is remarkable across the range of the wines tasted for this report. They were tasted at the estate with founder Sandro Chia’s son, Filippo Chia. Also included in this report are his wines from Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte, their sister estate in Scansano.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This is a remarkable Brunello from a COVID-19 vintage that launched many curveballs at producers. The Castello Romitorio 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is noticeably a step above its peers thanks to its seamless mouthfeel, its bright fruit concentration and its balanced freshness. It ages in oak for 24 months, and the grapes are picked from a site with cool clay soils. The finish is soft and polished. If you were to buy one village Brunello from the accessible 2020 vintage, let me direct your attention to this wine. Production is 40,000 bottles.
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is vividly fresh and focused, with a cascade of dried strawberry, minty herbs and shaved cedar forming its seductive bouquet. This is a model of purity, with silky textures and a graceful feel. It showcases ripe red berry fruits complicated by a tactile staining of minerality. A gentle tug of fine tannins defines the finish. Hints of sour citrus mix with tart blackberry and licorice.