Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Alcohol: 14.5%

Grape(s): Sangiovese

Localization: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Tasting Notes: The Brunello di Montalcino is dusty, dark and floral at first, but with time, it becomes exotic and spicy. Black cherries lifted by minty herbs and camphor give way to floral undergrowth and tobacco as the 2017 gains in volume with each swirl of the glass. It’s silky-smooth and pliant yet shows remarkable purity and cooling acidity, as you perceive its red and hints of blue fruit slowly drenching the palate, leaving salty minerals and a coating of primary concentration. The long, penetrating finale mixes fine tannins and nuances of sour citrus in a powerful yet wonderfully balanced expression of the Romitorio vineyards. The 2017 Brunello has only gotten better since the first time I tasted it in Montalcino, and it is a highly promising expression of the vintage from Castello Romitorio. 2024-2030

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: This is a remarkable Brunello that launched many curveballs at producers. The Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is noticeably a step above its peers thanks to its seamless mouthfeel, its bright fruit concentration and its balanced freshness. It ages in oak for 24 months, and the grapes are picked from a site with cool clay soils. The finish is soft and polished. If you were to buy one village Brunello from the accessible 2020 vintage, let me direct your attention to this wine.

The Domain: Since 1984, the Castello Romitorio winery has been committed to the study, exploration and promotion of Brunello di Montalcino wine. This has been possible thanks to Italian artist Sandro Chia's work and his bond with Franco Martini, a Brunello di Montalcino expert and the cellar master of Castello Romitorio. This bond now continues between Sandro’s son Filippo and Franco’s son Stefano, the next generation.

The team has an intimate knowledge of the land and immense respect for local heritage and tradition, which allows Castello Romitorio to express the essence of Brunello di Montalcino. The agricultural practices are low impact and take into consideration the nature that surrounds us. They interact with the indigenous flora and fauna in order to capture and develop the subtle nuances that exist in both the land and the vines they have the privilege to cultivate.