Brunello di Montalcino Banfi 2015 (3L)

93 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate: "The Castello Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is fragrant and bright. Aromas of wild cherry, blackberry and plum emerge from the glass with spice, tar and licorice following close in tow. The unified front created by those aromas adds to the overall intensity and purity of the wine. The wine is silky and glossy with a mid-weight style that wraps closely over the palate. This Brunello is fermented in both steel and oak. About 80% of the total volume ages in 60- or 90-hectoliter botte made with French oak, and 20% is aged in new barrique. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and hit the market in January 2020. Some 580,000 bottles were made. You can drink this accessible wine straight out of the gate or wait to age it longer." 01/20

90 Points, Ian D'Agata, Vinous: "Good full ruby-red. Roasted currants, cocoa and tobacco leaf on the nose. Suave, broad and ripe, with a savory quality to the red cherry, chocolate and leather suggestions. Closes medium-long and clean, with a lingering savory echo." 4/20

94 Points, James Suckling: "So many spices line the nose here including cinnamon, cardamom, aniseed and walnuts. But there's no shortage of red plums and dried cherries either. Balanced and suave, this is a sophisticated Brunello with a sleek frame of tannins and subtle yet persistent acidity. Drink from 2021." 11/19.

94 Points, Raffaele Vecchione, International Wine Report: "The 2015 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino displays a pale color but powerful essence, this young Brunello shows notes of orange juice, citron, red plums and cinnamon that all take shape beautifully. Full body, soft and juicy tannins and a balanced finish. While this is accessible today, it should show even more with some time." 03/20

94 Points, Raffaele Vecchione: "While the color is light this young Brunello is powerful in essence, with notes of orange zest, cedar, red plums and cinnamon. Full body, soft and juicy tannins and a balanced finish. Better since 2021." 03/20