2021 Brunello di Montalcino
Buying options
Tasting notes
A saturated red/garnet color, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino packs layers of intensity in the glass on opening, with well-integrated rustic notes of menthol, sappy herbs, red plum, saddle or polished leather, tobacco, and blood orange. The palate shines brightly and with ripe purity of cherry fruit. It is long and full on the palate, with plush, even tannins, balanced acidity, and a great finish with a bit of warming spice. This wine makes a statement. It’s a noble and impressive wine from Gorelli to enjoy over the coming 20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
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.
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.