2021 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The Le Potazzine 2021 Brunello di Montalcino reflects the estate’s loyal following, built on a signature style of freshness and bright, expressive aromatics. This vintage leans toward the more concentrated end of the spectrum, offering blackcurrant and wild plum while maintaining clarity and lift. The tannins are still tight at this youthful stage, though the mouthfeel is already moving toward silkiness and should fully arrive with a bit more time in bottle. This is a hallmark of the cooler, higher-elevation vineyards farmed by Gigliola Giannetti and her daughters. Aged for 40 months in traditional Slavonian oak casks, this wine is released in a production of 16,000 bottles.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
On the nose this wine shows licorice, charcoal, wild strawberries, black cherries, smoke and subtle citrus notes. Full-bodied, velvety and lush on the palate, with elegant tannins, chewy acidity and a tight, extracted yet polished savory finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.
Youthfully coiled, the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino requires coaxing to unlock its youthful state, as swirling unleashes nuances of dried roses, black cherries, cedar dust and sage. This is pure seduction on the palate, deeply sensual with dense waves of ripe red berry fruits and a nearly creamy feel, all balanced by vibrant acidity. It leaves the senses stained in primary concentration as an array of sweet tannins frames a slight balsamic tinge that adds a lovely punctuation to the experience. The 2021 is flat-out stunning and geared up for a long evolution. Le Potazzine has secured itself as one of the top Brunello producers vintage after vintage.
43 days on the skins. Unfiltered. Lustrous youthful crimson. Dark and complex and still a little closed with the subtlest hint of garden mint. Succulent and suave red fruit with firm but finely ground tannins. Still a little unsettled and embryonic but has stunning balance. (WS)