Brunello di Montalcino
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be including within blends.
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Brunello di Montalcino
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Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish.HK$2,185.00 -
Vinous (98)
Vivid deep red. Musky, deep, mineral-tinged aromas of red cherry, violet and crystallized orange peel. Sweet, lush and packed with red fruit, blood orange nectar and savory underbrush flavors; a step up in sheer size from Costanti’s 2013 Brunello. At once powerful and refined, this seriously saturates the palate with flavor, vibrant minerality and noble tannins. This is everything a great Brunello ought to be.HK$6,110.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.HK$2,815.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.HK$5,655.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (100)
This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.HK$3,040.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is very pretty, showing musky, bright cherry, dried roses and savory spice. There’s remarkable purity here, with soft textures giving way to tart wild berry fruit complemented by zesty acids. It’s dry and lightly structured throughout the finale with lasting inner florals and a twang of sour citrus. This is far from your typical Rosso. The Costanti Rosso is a barrel selection that matures for one year in a combination of 60% tonneaux and 40% new 35-40 hectoliter barrels.HK$1,800.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Vermiglio is a bombshell beauty, with a bright bouquet of dried strawberries, crushed rose petals, shaved cedar, cinnamon spice and sweet smoke. It’s deeply textural, almost fleshy in feel, yet kept in line by vibrant acidity, as masses of black cherry and raspberry fruit envelope the palate. This totally harmonious Rosso finishes with a classic tug of fine tannins, along with nuances of sour citrus, inner earth and lavender tones. It embodies, without a doubt, the term “Baby Brunello.” The Vermiglio hasn’t been produced since 2013, it’s a barrel selection of Rosso that Costanti matures for two years, instead of one, in cask. Only 4,000 bottles were produced.HK$3,085.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This has an unwonted, intensely floral note of eucalyptus and tee tree oil, which makes it immediately recognizable against other 2015 Brunellos. Besides that, there are ripe rose stems and dried lavender. It has a racy core of boisterous berries that dive inwards and outwards of firm, structured tannins. The juxtaposition of steely resolve and intense florals are quite remarkable. Very classy. Drink from 2025.HK$2,880.00 -
HK$3,580.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Softer for sure compared to the 2016 wines, and more abundant in personality, the Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Mannella is very expressive of the sunny, warm and luminous growing season. Rich fruit flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis are interwoven with spice, sweet tobacco and balsam herb. This wine is fermented in steel for 25 days and is then racked into oak for a long 48-months élevage. This wine is only made in the best years, and it draws its fruit from the estate's oldest vines, which are 37 years old. A mere 3,658 bottles were made. The tannins are a bit bitter and youthful, so give this wine more cellar time.HK$4,485.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.HK$2,640.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggiarelli draws its fruit from a vineyard planted in the 1970s and replanted in part during the 1990s. Its fruit has made this designate wine since 1998, and like many of the Selezioni (and the Brunello cru expressions), this wine shows a pretty mineral character that lifts above the bright red fruit. It's absolutely true that these special sections from Montalcino are always recognized by their terrain or soil-adjacent aromas. In this case, I can smell those flinty or gravel-like tones from the schistous Galestro rocks. That special aromatic signature is followed by dark fruit and balsam herb, firm tannins and bright acidity. This is a limited 4,000-bottle release.HK$3,000.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Vinous (92)
Opaque red-ruby. Perfumed nose of violet, black cherry, blackberry and flint. Bright, fresh and juicy, featuring dark berry, sweet spice and flinty flavors and an almost Cabernet Franc-like perfume and backbone. An outstanding, very refined wine that is no less than what I expect from the ultra-talented Cousin and Tondini duo who own Cupano, but I found this to be a little darker in its fruit aroma and flavor profile than I like.HK$5,480.00 -
(1x150cl) 2016Vinous (94)
Crushed black cherries, a dusting of sweet spice, cedar, mocha and cloves blend to create the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino’s fruit-forward and seductive bouquet. Its textures are like pure silk, cast across a medium-bodied frame and ushering in a youthfully dense display of red and black berries. Symmetry is maintained with fine-grained tannins offset by juicy acids, as inner purple florals and a hint of dried citrus lingers. While showing a bit of its oak influence, nothing is out of place in this young and beautifully balanced Brunello from Cupano.HK$3,110.00 -
Vinous (94)
Crushed black cherries, a dusting of sweet spice, cedar, mocha and cloves blend to create the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino’s fruit-forward and seductive bouquet. Its textures are like pure silk, cast across a medium-bodied frame and ushering in a youthfully dense display of red and black berries. Symmetry is maintained with fine-grained tannins offset by juicy acids, as inner purple florals and a hint of dried citrus lingers. While showing a bit of its oak influence, nothing is out of place in this young and beautifully balanced Brunello from Cupano.HK$1,355.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino draws you in with an intense display of black raspberries, dusty rose and crushed rocks. With further coaxing, notes of clove, allspice and mocha evolve in the glass. This is a pure pleasure on the palate, silky and refined, conveying a balanced inner sweetness contrasted by tart wild berries, plum skins and minerals that create a more tactile feel toward the close. Residual acids keep the expression remarkably fresh, as fine-grained tannins settle in, all under an air of tobacco and balsam herbs. This is a slightly heady yet balanced and thoroughly enjoyable expression of the 2017 vintage. I can’t wait to see what a year or two of cellaring will unlock.HK$1,625.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino draws you in with an intense display of black raspberries, dusty rose and crushed rocks. With further coaxing, notes of clove, allspice and mocha evolve in the glass. This is a pure pleasure on the palate, silky and refined, conveying a balanced inner sweetness contrasted by tart wild berries, plum skins and minerals that create a more tactile feel toward the close. Residual acids keep the expression remarkably fresh, as fine-grained tannins settle in, all under an air of tobacco and balsam herbs. This is a slightly heady yet balanced and thoroughly enjoyable expression of the 2017 vintage. I can’t wait to see what a year or two of cellaring will unlock.HK$1,055.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino dazzles with a bright mix of confectionary cherry, candied citrus and exotic spice forming its sweetly seductive bouquet. This smooths over the palate with total elegance, velvety yet refined, with masses of ripe black cherry complemented by sweet herbs and hints of dark chocolate. It finishes with a coating of silky-fine tannins that lingers, more of an accent than an obstacle, as the 2018 tapers off with nuances of spiced orange and clove. Cupano has produced an incredibly beautiful interpretation of the vintage, which does show a bit of its new-oak influence, but with style.HK$1,965.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino dazzles with a bright mix of confectionary cherry, candied citrus and exotic spice forming its sweetly seductive bouquet. This smooths over the palate with total elegance, velvety yet refined, with masses of ripe black cherry complemented by sweet herbs and hints of dark chocolate. It finishes with a coating of silky-fine tannins that lingers, more of an accent than an obstacle, as the 2018 tapers off with nuances of spiced orange and clove. Cupano has produced an incredibly beautiful interpretation of the vintage, which does show a bit of its new-oak influence, but with style.HK$4,370.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous (95)
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a bit coy, having just been bottled two weeks ago. Mentholated herbs, exotic spices, dark red fruits, dusty roses and crushed stone can all be found. It's silky, nearly creamy in feel, with cooling acidity to balance as notes of black cherry, plums and balsam herbs swirl throughout. This leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger along with a bitter tinge of savory spice while maintaining a lovely freshness through the long and pleasantly chewy finale.HK$4,435.00 -
HK$1,175.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Vinous (93)
Bright red. Violet, herbs and faded flowers on the fragrant nose. The red cherry, licorice and orange peel flavors show good inner-mouth perfume and a youthfully chewy quality, plus a subtle hint of leather at the back that adds complexity. Strikes me as being the best entry-level Brunello from Tiezzi in years.HK$2,120.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Savour the distinguished Falesco Montiano Lazio 2018, a sublime symphony culminating from the fruitful vineyards of Lazio, Italy. This illustrious liquid ruby is the brainchild of the acclaimed Falesco winery, known for its ceaseless commitment to quality. Brought to life by the masterful Maria and Martino Kotysz, their expertise in viticulture and enology produces renowned Vini d’Italia.
This merlot marvel blooms from hand-harvested grapes from single-vineyard sites, before undergoing fermentation in small oak barrels. The process ensures a remarkable complexity, paired with a captivating depth of flavour. This full-bodied vintage, boasting 14% alcohol, showcases rich, succulent red fruits, harmoniously balanced with velvety tannins and resonant oak undernotes.
Aged for 12 months in French barrels, the Falesco Montiano Lazio 2018 is replete with a lavish, lingering finish, making it an ideal complement to savoury dishes. This regal wine is the embodiment of Italian viticulture, curated to perfection. Make the Falesco Montiano Lazio 2018 your prestigious partner for prestigious occasions.
HK$4,120.00 -
Vinous (90)
(15% alcohol): Bright red. Floral red berries and spicy red cherry on the bright nose. Then fresh and clean in the mouth, with mineral and inky notes complementing sweet dark cherry and underbrush flavors. The long finish features supple tannins and a repeating inky nuance. Much better than the 2007 Brunello normale.HK$2,125.00 -
HK$3,560.00 -
HK$1,195.00 -
HK$1,985.00
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HK$880.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Fattoria dei Barbi's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino starts with a tightly wound personality that begins to unravel slowly, one delicate layer at a time. As it does, you become aware of dried fruit, cigar box, crushed mineral, plum, tar and cola. The wine puts on a beautiful display. I also loved the mouthfeel of this beautiful wine: It is tonic, tight and brimming with energy. Well-integrated oak notes give the wine a spot of softness and velvety spice. This is one beautiful Sangiovese.HK$940.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the historic, grandfather estates of the appellation, and this important point comes to mind every time I have the honor of reviewing their new releases. The wines always show a distinctly traditional side that is just part of this estate's DNA, and I'd like to think that this defining characteristic would not change even if a concerted effort was made to do so. Territory speaks loud in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine offers purity and deep layering with alternating tones of dried cherry, dark spice, cola and crushed flowers. Only 4,000 bottles were made.HK$6,600.00
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be included within blends.
