Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Marrucheto Banfi 2017 (1.5L)

94 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “This is the second edition of a wine that the entire cellar team at Castello Banfi is proud to present. A lot of work, research and thinking went into the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Marrucheto. This bottle represents perhaps the most tangible conclusion of years of vineyard mapping, soil studies and cellar tweaking. This one parcel, the Vigna Marrucheto, with light brown soils rich with marina fossils and smooth stones, was singled out for its fruit purity, intensity and endurance. The wine opens to a dark, inky appearance with plenty of ripe plum followed by spice, leather and tarry smoke. Vigna Marrucheto (with 13,325 bottles released) is velvety and soft with lots of volume and depth. This hot vintage is especially characterized by that ripeness.” 02/22

94 points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: “Very pretty blue fruits with crushed stone and bark as well as pine needle undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm and velvety tannins with a dusty texture. Very long and fresh with brightness and focus. Better after 2023 but already attractive and fresh for the vintage.” 11/21

96+ points, Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes: “From three parcels of Vigna Marrucheto, one of the concretisation of oenological know-how of a seminal winery. Nose of morello cherry under spirit, touches of rhubarb and brackish, from caper fruits. The mouthfeel is juicy, savoury and persistent, with a fruity aftertaste.”