Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Riserva. Austere and with character as it should be

All the 2019 Riserva tasted in preview for this Report.

As we wrote last year on the occasion of the preview of Brunello 2019, the event to remember in 2019 was the absence of stormy phenomena.

The 2019 vintage is a pleasant classic vintage in Tuscany which shows balance and good distribution of rainfall throughout the seasonal trend. Mild and dry winter and spring allowed regular budding in the classic time window for Sangiovese grown in the Siena province.

Read more about the 2019 vintage on our article: https://www.winescritic.com/brunello-di-montalcino-2019-great-material-and-spirited-character-animate-a-lustrous-vintage/?lang=en

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is particularly austere in this part of the tasting and at times recalls the 2013 vintage with really contracted and well-extracted tannins. Many producers have chosen the path of long and well-marked refinement in woods typically coming from medium-large sized Slavonian forests. In many cases exceeding the minimum required by the regulations of 36 months.

The choice is largely justified by the quality of the matrices, the complexity and the desire to enhance the product in a vintage that is certainly satisfying from two points of view: qualitative and quantitative.

Comparison between two splendid Riserva products produced by Renieri. We are sure to witness a new splendid comparison between the 2019 vintage and the 2020 vintage

Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is a wine that will enhance itself over time when it gives its best. We expect a qualitative peak to rise until the next 6-7 years when around the beginning of 2030 (it’s a bit shocking to write so far into the future) it will open up completely, it will still show freshness and youth with character and will have expanded its polyphenolic composition to excellence.

Haven’t you read our article on Brunello di Montalcino 2020 yet? https://www.winescritic.com/brunello-di-montalcino-2020-sunny-with-fresh-tones-definitely-fun/?lang=en

In this round of tastings we tasted around 60 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. There is a compelling podium with important producers and different production styles. Among the best wines ever, we reward Renieri with a bright and decidedly spicy Reserve. At the moment it is still compressed but offers a glimpse of phenomenal potential. Fuligni follows with a noble, classic, profound Riserva that is in some ways always heartening. He had already accustomed us to great things like the splendid 2015 Reserve, a perfect wine tasted a few years ago. It’s a three-way tie with Cerretalto in great shape. Definitely smooth in the sip and very satisfying, it shows a beauty that is always attributed to it and dark and deep tones of graphite with bursts of flavor.

Below are the comments and scores of all the wines tasted which can be downloaded on our website at the following link: https://mmt.winescritic.com/findVini

(The wines with the same score are visible in the order in which they were entered into our system and therefore tasted):

Punteggi Vini

Produttore Denominazione Vino Annata Score Tipo
Renieri Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 99 Rosso

Captivating albeit slightly shy in the sensorial matrix at this evolutionary stage. We must go further and perceive the pleasant and far-sighted vision of the project which shows delicate but always noble and pleasant traits of gardenias, magnolias, elderflowers, lime and bergamot. It requires time to exalt itself but the already pleasant memories of cedar, green tea leaves, dog rose and rose petals will be accentuated. Medium-full body, perfectly ripe tannins of a “true” character, therefore tamed just enough to create defense to the wine matrix, and a savory, slender and above all surprising finish which is discovered little by little and still leaves an aura of mystery about what will be. Better from 2028.

Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 99 Rosso

The grace of execution belongs to a select few. It is clear, bright, fearfully eclectic in the glass. The sensorial image of floral richness is very evident and pressing from the beginning. Bergamot, wild thyme and gummy liquorice follow in its wake. Full body, silky tannins of great finesse and a finish that shows wisdom and a regal tone. Better from 2028.

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2019 99 Rosso

It is the determined awareness of being that makes this wine an absolute myth, now iconic in style and rare personality. The notes of blackberries, wild myrtle and karkadè clash with citrus tones of bergamot and lime in a vortex of pleasant contrasting sensations. In the background the “heart” notes are told with plums, strawberries and incense. A graphite tone increases its complexity. Full body, perfectly ripe and extracted tannins and a finish that ignites from the center of the palate. It is extremely current, incisive and slender in the extraction of all the components but always remains in the essential track of gustatory balance and smoothness. Plus a savory tone that makes it three-dimensional. Better from 2028.

Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Powerful and layered in the sensorial profile it shows notes of black cherries, black tea leaves, juniper berries, sandalwood, cumin, black pepper and chervil. So much grace and sensorial depth in a perfectly dosed dark matrix. Full body, silky tannins and an exciting finish that gives beauty to every sip. A truly precise expression of the territory. Better from 2027.

Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Direct and bold, it shows a beautiful sensorial progression made of magnolias, hawthorn, gardenias, jasmine, acacia, raspberries, currants, green mandarins and bergamot. Medium-full body, perfectly ripe tannins of velvety quality and a dynamic and fun finish that is decidedly modern and essential. Author’s style and precision of execution. Better from 2027.

Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Dark with important sensory traits reminiscent of black plums, blackberries, sour cherries, juniper berries, sandalwood, karkadè, incense, bergamot and guaranà. It is described with a rich and biting approach, with a profile to be explored and discovered over time in the glass. Medium-full body, savory and slender in the sip, it ends juicy, persuasive and with the character of a top player. How beautiful. Better from 2028.

Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’oro Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Legendary in its sensorial profile, it shows a solid presence of red fruits well blended with captivating dusty and scratchy nuances of graphite, mandarin peel, chopped cedar and marjoram. There’s more in the background with notes of camphor, jasmine and karkadè. Full body, savory and slender in the sip it shows fullness, harmony and depth. Better from 2027.

Patrizia Cencioni Brunello di Montalcino 123 Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Wow! It is decidedly graceful and engaging in its sensorial profile and shows a series of hedonistic scents that immediately captivate. Currants, raspberries, lemon peel, wild myrtle, juniper berries and sage enliven the main scene. Lime peel, gardenias and chopped ginger describe the secondary scene. Full body, smooth and harmonious in the sip, it shows flavor and vitality. Thrilling. Better from 2028.

Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Wow! There is class and skilful use of matter and creators of beauty. The notes of red and black plums blend with mixed tones reminiscent of laurel, sage, juniper berries, black cherries, dried lemon peel and withered flowers. There is more in the well-cut secondary soul that tells of thyme, marjoram and eucalyptus. Full body, perfectly ripe and well extracted tannins and a finish that will need time to come out. Better from 2028.

La Magia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 98 Rosso

Extremely captivating and of notable sensorial beauty, it shows decidedly mixed fresh and composed notes that are enhanced with every turn of the glass. Currants meet raspberries, cherries, pomegranate and lemon peel. Many noble herbaceous and floral nuances enliven the secondary scene. Full body, perfectly ripe tannins and silky shape and a finish that shows taste balance, soul and solid progression that is always gentle and modern. Better from 2027.

Talenti Brunello di Montalcino Pian di Conte Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Ripe and classic in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of cherries, red plums, sweet black cherries, sweet caramel, lemon juice and sage. Medium-full body, graceful and composed soul and flavor profile and a harmonious and balanced finish of great persuasiveness. How beautiful. Better from 2026.

Cortonesi Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Spacious in its clear and captivating sensorial profile, it shows mixed floral and fruity notes reminiscent of notes of ginger, red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar, mandarin peel, camphor, lemon flowers, lemon peel, ginseng root, pepper white, rosemary, marjoram and wild thyme. In the background, flint and gunpowder describe the secondary scene of great personality. Medium-full body, perfectly silky and elegant tannins and a finish of splendid gracefulness and persistence. Better from 2027.

Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Rich and slender in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of cherries, raspberries, currants, green tea leaves and karkadè. Medium body, soft tannins and a pleasantly relaxing finish. A noble and genuine expression that is enhanced sip after sip. Better from 2027.

Cava d’Onice Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Precise and vibrant in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of raspberries, currants, geraniums, hawthorn, rosemary, black cherries, chopped cedar and dates. Full body, smooth and tasty in the sip, it closes harmonious and balanced with great personality. One of the best Reserves ever produced at Cava d’Onice. Better from 2027.

Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino Mercatale Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Cut into the glass, it presents itself with freshness and well-marked citrus tones. Notes of mixed white flowers blend with nuances of bergamot, lime, lemons and vetiver. Medium-full body, slightly stiff and contracted tannins at the moment and a finish that comes alive, illuminating the matrix from the center of the palate onwards. Better from 2028.

Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Wow! Rich and bold in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, strawberries, currants, raspberries, lemon peel and karkadè. There’s more in the background with “black” energy reminiscent of blackberries, black tea leaves and bay leaves. Full body, smooth and persuasive on the palate, it shows a pleasant executive grace and a surprising polyphenolic quality that caresses the palate. Better from 2027.

Capanna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 97 Rosso

Decidedly pronounced in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of black cherries, black plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, sage, bay leaves and catmint. Black tea leaves and white moss describe the secondary scene. Medium-full body, well-extracted, slightly stiff tannins and a solidly progressive finish. Wow, he’s just asking for more time but he will kidnap us with his ways from 2029 onwards.

Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Bright and vibrant in the sensorial profile, it shows energy and character in the sensorial profile rich in mixed citrus fruits reminiscent of red plums, strawberries, chopped cedar, lime, bergamot and mixed white flowers. Full body, solid structure with excellent personality and a finish of notable progression and depth. Better from 2027.

Pietroso Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Wow! Deep and captivating in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of strawberries, chopped cedar, elderflower, geraniums and mixed spices. Medium-full body, balanced and persuasive in the sip, it closes with a gentle and progressive finish. Better from 2029.

Tenuta di Sesta Brunello di Montalcino Duelecci Ovest Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Rich and structured, it shows a slightly opaque profile that slowly reveals notes of cherries, currants, raspberries and crumbled stone. Over time, a beautiful citrus note typical of the varietal emerges in the glass. Medium body, soft tannins and a splendidly balanced finish. Wow, a real poem in a sip. Better from 2027.

Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Franci Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Bright and captivating in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of green tea leaves, incense, cherries, red plums, lemon peel, green mandarins and eucalyptus. Medium body, soft tannins and a composed and essential finish. Better from 2027.

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Rich and slender, it shows complexity in the mixed profile that recalls mixed flowers and fruits. A lot of energy comes from the background which combines features of white flowers and citrus nuances with equal intensity. Full body, soft tannins of excellent quality and a full, enveloping and decisive finish. Truly a remarkable expression that will emerge over time. Better from 2028.

Padelletti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Bright and fascinating in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of cherries, currants, raspberries, lemon peel and cut ginger. Shades of dark chocolate and peppermint in the background enliven the secondary scene. Medium-full body, agile and with the character of a top player, it closes gracefully and progressively. Better from 2027.

Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino Gualto Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Precise and rich in “red” energy, it is reminiscent of red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar and bay leaves. Many captivating Mediterranean nuances describe the secondary scene giving nuances of rosemary, thyme and marjoram. Full body, perfectly extracted tannins and a finish that presses forward in the most beautiful way you could expect. Better from 2028.

Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino L7 Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Wow! Decisive and truly intense in its sensorial profile, it alternates beautiful notes of red plums, strawberries, blueberries, wild myrtle, green tea leaves, bergamot, lemongrass and eucalyptus. Medium body, soft tannins of splendid shape and texture and a precise and essential finish that shows wisdom, elegance and notable taste progression. Gorgeous. Better from 2027.

San Lorenzo Brunello di Montalcino Bramante Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Rich and slender in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar, eucalyptus, peppermint and karkadè. Many cherries and black cherries describe the secondary scene of notable sensorial beauty. Full body, smooth and persuasive in the sip, it shows grace and notable personality. A real joy. Better from 2027.

Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Classic and with excellent sensorial form, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries, black cherries, lemon peel, vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli. Medium-full body, solid and pronounced in the sip, it closes juicy and essential. No frills. How beautiful. Better from 2027.

Casanuova delle Cerbaie Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli Riserva 2019 96 Rosso

Ripe and captivating, it shows mixed floral and fruity notes reminiscent of hyacinth and lavender blended with currants, raspberries, pomegranate and black tea leaves. Full body, perfectly extracted and smooth tannins and a clear and captivating finish that makes elegance its best weapon. It is thinner than usual but shows a clever acceleration that drags the reader along. Better from 2028.

Máté Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Wow! Multifaceted and dynamic in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar, green mandarins, eucalyptus, bergamot, vetiver, white pepper and gardenias. Full body, velvety tannins of notable beauty and a finish animated by smoothness and character. Drink now or grow old.

Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio All’Oro Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Precise and essential it shows notes of notes of lavender, violet, bergamot, green mandarins, lime, cedar pieces, coriander and karkadè. Full body, hard on the center of the palate, showing well-extracted tannins and a finish of solid and precise progression. Better from 2028.

Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Barbi Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Lemongrass, green mandarins, green tea leaves, samphire, sage, marjoram and crumbled stone describe the main sensory profile. In the background, the iodine nuances give complexity to the matrix. Medium body, dense but fine tannins and a pleasantly long finish. Better from 2028.

La Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Currants, raspberries and rosemary are the main scents of this structured but slender and Mediterranean young Brunello Riserva. Medium-full body, taut tannins in the matrix and a finish that grows from the center of the palate onwards in search of a nice progression. Better from 2028.

La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Precise and pleasant in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of raspberries, currants, magnolias, gardenias, lemon peel, cut ginger, lemongrass and vetiver. Medium-full body, soft tannins and a tasty and essential finish that is very captivating. Drink now or grow old.

La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

Open, radiant and vibrant in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries and chopped cedar. Full body, perfectly ripe tannins and a finish of great grace and precision of execution. Better from 2028.

Gorelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 95 Rosso

It is bold and shows important traits of well-ripe red plums, black cherries, sandalwood, patchouli and green tea leaves. It shows a solid and precise extraction of the material that predisposes to the sip. Lots of citrus fruit makes its way from the background to show what it’s made of. Full body, perfectly ripe and well-extracted tannins and a finish that will need time to relax and which shows a character that combines the voluminous and vertical texture well. Better from 2028.

Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Precise and vibrant on the nose it shows notes of cherries, red plums, wild strawberries, green mandarins and lemongrass. Medium-full body, powerful structure rich in substance and an excellent progression finish. Better from 2028.

Poggio Nardone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Explosive on the nose showing notes of ripe red fruit, lemon peel, mixed white flowers, lime and bergamot. Full body, slightly stiff tannins at the moment and a finish that will need time to relax. Better from 2029.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fontelontano Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Very ripe and spicy in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of black cherries, black plums, wild myrtle, blackberries and cardamom. Lots of mixed citrus fruits describe the secondary scene. Medium-full body, slightly contracted tannins that will relax with time and a finish of commendable beauty. Better from 2028.

Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Powerful and structured on the nose, it shows considerable sensorial power with notes of black plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, myrtle, peppermint and many juniper berries. Vanilla and toasted hazelnuts describe the secondary scene. Medium-full body, smooth and precise, shows modern character and great gracefulness. Better from 2026.

Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Molino al Vento Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Ripe and captivating in its floral sensorial profile, it is reminiscent of black cherries, raspberries, currants, liquorice, dark chocolate and peppermint. Medium-full body, soft and enveloping structure and a pleasant and persuasive finish. Better from 2027.

SassodiSole Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Slender and decidedly vibrant in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of raspberries, currants, lemon peel, chopped cedar and many green mandarins. Medium-full body, savory and tasty in the sip, it closes with a true and bite. How beautiful. Better from 2027.

Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Ripe and direct in its sensorial profile, it shows fullness and character with notes of red plums, strawberries, wet geraniums, lime peel, sandalwood and patchouli. Medium-full body, solid and bitey, with a generous and classic finish in the flavor profile. Better from 2028.

Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Slightly opaque in sensory profile but intriguing and dynamic, it alternates notes of wet flowers with nuances of currants, raspberries, lemon peel and ginger. Medium-full body, slightly drying tannins and a compressed finish that will come out over time. Better from 2028.

Franco Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 94 Rosso

Mature and frank, powerful but decidedly composed, it alternates notes of black tea leaves with nuances of juniper berries, sandalwood, patchouli, lime and karkadè. Lots of dehydrated cherries describe the secondary scene. Full body, round and tasty tannins and an enveloping and juicy finish that shows good smoothness. Better from 2027.

Mocali Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Ripe and satisfying in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, strawberries, chopped cedar, elderflowers and gardenias. Full body, well-extracted pronounced tannins and a decidedly savory and slender finish. How beautiful. Better from 2028.

Mocali Brunello di Montalcino Le Raunate Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Concentrated and rich in sensory profile it shows notes of red plums, sweet caramel, marjoram, sandalwood, cumin and chopped almonds. Medium-full body, structured and decisive in the attack on the palate, with a bite and excellent quality. Better from 2027.

Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Raspberries, currants, pomegranate and lemon peel are the main scents of this young Brunello, lively and clear in its main sensorial profile. Medium-full body, savory and colorful in the sip, it closes voluminous with excellent progression. Better from 2028.

Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Passion fruit, red plums, ripe strawberries and crumbled stone are the main scents of this Brunello with strong bones. Medium body, slightly contracted tannins at the moment and a structured finish, perhaps a little too much. Better from 2028.

Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino Anemone al Sole Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Deep and decidedly structured in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar, black cherries, sour cherries and lemon juice. Medium-full body, perfectly ripe tannins and a direct and decidedly smooth progressive finish. Better from 2027.

Molino Sant’Antimo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Rich and slender in its sensorial profile, it shows notes of raspberries, currants, cherries, lemon peel and ginger. Lots of mandarin juice and wild thyme describe the secondary scene. Medium-full body, slightly hard on the center of the palate, with firm tannins and a medium-progressive finish. Better from 2028.

Podere la Vigna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Deciso e di piacevole forma sensoriale mostra note di violetta selvatica, bacche di ginepro, sandalo, liquirizia e bergamotto. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini morbidi di ottima qualità ed un finale armonico ed essenziale. Meglio dal 2026.

Luciani Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Open and biting in the captivating sensorial matrix it shows notes of strawberries, black cherries, lemon peel, vetiver and green tea leaves. Full body, solid and warm in the sip, it closes voluminous and of precise quality. Better from 2027.

Pian delle Querci Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 93 Rosso

Slender and of excellent sensorial quality, it shows notes of black plums, blackberries, wild myrtle, orange peel, eucalyptus, sandalwood, marjoram, wild thyme and Scots pine. Full body, hard tannins that will need time to relax and a very progressive finish. Better from 2028.

Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino Le Due Sorelle Riserva 2019 92 Rosso

Classic and with good sensorial roundness, it shows notes of red plums, strawberries, mandarin juice, chopped cedar, sage and bay leaves. Medium body, gentle tannins and a harmonious and well-relaxed finish. Drink now.

Ferrero Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 92 Rosso

Very ripe on the nose it shows notes of sour cherries, dehydrated plums, mixed tea leaves, sandalwood, patchouli and coriander. Full body, very ripe tannins and a warm and enveloping finish. Drink now.

Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 92 Rosso

Lots of bread crust describes the sensorial scene blending with notes of black cherries, plums and mixed citrus fruits. Medium-full body, savory and juicy in the sip, it closes balanced and with a pleasant modern character. Better from 2027.

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