Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gianni Brunelli 2019 (1.5L)

96 Points, Gianni Brunelli, Vinous Media: "A whiff of white smoke and sweet sage gives way to mint-laced black cherries and hints of balsamic spice as the alluring 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva blossoms in the glass. It presents a sweet-and-sour sensation, washing across the palate with soft and pliant textures as ripe wild berry fruits swirl across a stream of brilliant acidity. A tinge of tart citrus embellishes the close. The 2019 finishes long yet structured and intense, leaving a saturation of blackberry and a savory herbal thrust. This is an exceptionally refined and graceful Riserva from Gianni Brunelli. Fantastic." 11/23

97 Points, James Suckling: "Like some of the finest wines, this stands out for bright fruit and drinkability but has huge structure and potential for the long haul. On the nose, it shines with youthfulness, showing telltale raspberries fresh with smoky-woodland and licorice depth. The attack is full-bodied with elegant, thick, velvety tannins, structured and refined. This has a crisp, long and superpolished finish despite the frame. Best ever from here. Drink or hold...." 12/24

97 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This wine offers lifted fruit with popping cherry, blackcurrant and sour crab apple. This level of fruit brightness is not easy to maintain in a wine that ages for five years before its commercial release. The folks at Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto do a fine job. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino delivers balanced oak renderings with exotic spice and dried chili flake. The wine has a beautiful nose, but the palate definitely needs more time to flesh out and relax, considering the current tightness of the tannins. With 14,230 bottles made, it promises a long drinking window." 12/23

98 Points, Kerin O`Keefe, KerinOKeefe.com: "Fragrant and loaded with finesse, the stunning Gianni Brunelli 2019 Brunello Riserva mesmerizes with its intense aromas of camphor, purple flower, wild berry, underbrush, cedar and dark exotic spice. Full-bodied and showing restrained elegance, the vibrant, savory palate features juicy Morello cherry, wild raspberry, star anise and spiced orange zest set against firm, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. It’s still youthfully austere at this stage so give it time to fully develop even more complexity. Drink 2031–2044." 11/24