2018 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo
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Tasting notes
Tasted from a freshly opened bottle without decanting or aeration: Just mid ruby. A tad dusty and closed on the nose just hinting at redcurrant. Minerally tingle and brooding perfumed cherry, but balsamic more than fruity. Becomes more complex yet still remaining a little aloof. I don't think anyone tasting this could accuse Biondi-Santi of a radical change. Very tight and closed on the palate with subdued red fruit that right now is determined by plenty of acidity. Finely sculpted, marzipan-like tannins that take the lead on the finish. Very tight, compact and embryonic. Day 2: Classy, perfumed cherry and raspberry nose with a sweet balsamic note. Still a little austere and with plenty of acidity on the palate yet transparent and fluid and with the tannins having softened out and integrated. Day 3: The nose has opened up further and no signs of oxidation whatsoever. Subtle marasca-cherry nose with a cool-climate edge. Understated and balanced, fresh and the tannins now super-fine. (WS)
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Elegant, graceful and fine, the Biondi-Santi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino offers a delicate approach to the senses and it spreads over the palate with polished and silky intensity. The acidity is elevated in this vintage. A handful of historic producers in Montalcino are bringing the Rosso category up to the next level, and the venerable house of Biondi-Santi is one of them. This was a somewhat unusual vintage with prolonged cool spells alternating with moments of intense heat. However, this wine shows even ripening and is quite vibrant and tangy in terms of its acidity. In spectacular Sangiovese style, the wine ends with lingering tones of wild cherry, sweet earth, potting soil and perfumed violet.
A bright, vibrant red in the glass, the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino takes its time, slowly unfolding to show pretty roses and hints of cherry, leather and Tuscan dust. It’s silky and caressing on the palate, revealing outstanding purity with a vivid display of wild strawberry and minerals. The 2018 then takes a turn toward the savory side, becoming quite mineral yet remaining juicy and remarkably fresh for such a young Rosso. While this is a bit of a departure from the typical “Baby Brunello” style of the Biondi-Santi Rosso, I find it quite attractive and a nice option for enjoying the house style without buying up to the bigger wines.