2019 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino

Biondi-Santi Overview:
Founders of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, Biondi-Santi produced the first Brunello in history in 1888 at the hands of Ferruccio Biondi Santi. Since then, this fabled estate has ensured the excellency of its wines, known for their extreme longevity, through seven generations. 

Tenuta Greppo, at 500 metres above sea level, is where the historical winery and estate villa are situated and where the oldest plot, planted in 1936, is to be found. The other vineyard sites, Scarnacuoia, Pievecchia, I Pieri and Ribusuoli, are located respectively to the west, north, east and south-east of the town of Montalcino, all preserving a predominantly eastern exposition and high elevations. They are instrumental in preserving Biondi-Santi’s signature style, driven by elegance, fresh acidity and moderate alcohol. The oldest vineyards, aged over 25 years old, are the source of grapes for Biondi-Santi’s Riserva, while the 10 to 25-year-old vineyards are used for the Brunello di Montalcino and those younger than 10 years are used for the Rosso di Montalcino.

97 Points - Eric Guido, Vinous
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino pulls the taster close to the glass, darkly floral and balsamic at the first tilt. This blossoms with a textbook profile of worn leather, dried rose, dusty earth, spice and dried black cherry. It sweeps across the palate, silky-smooth with hints of ripe red and black fruit underscored by saline mineral tones that add a crunchy yet salty sensation toward the close. It finishes with tremendous length and concentration, lifted by a tinge of sour citrus. Fine-grained tannins resonate under an air of sweet lavender. The 2019 is classic to the core. With this level of depth coming from the anatta, one can only imagine what the riserva will reveal. 

97 Points - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
This wine will be released in March 2025. The Biondi-Santi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino was born in a generous vintage that provided abundant high-quality fruit. The growing season became progressively warmer throughout summer, without heat spikes, and it ended with well-timed rains and a warm autumn. Harvest started in mid-September, and the grapes ripened according to the right parameters without over[1]ripeness. The wine shows a natural textural richness that is supported by dark fruit, navel orange, tobacco, laurel leaf and Mediterranean herb. There are flinty mineral notes that add to the complexity. This beautiful wine hits a special mark: it offers the ethereal qualities you expect of this celebrated estate, with a good level of austerity to match. 

97 Points - Michaela Morris, Decanter 
Biondi Santi’s latest Brunello is built solidly on classic lines. Captivatingly austere, it hints at pomegranate and tea leaf to begin, with balsamic rosemary and sage blossom taking hold as it opens. Neither overtly dense nor powerful, it trades instead on grace and linearity. Firm, al dente tannins stretch out, sculpting a sinewy core of blood orange and pink grapefruit. Nervous energy brings edgy tension, and appetising bitter herbs bring this to an auspicious conclusion.