Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Biondi Santi 2018 (750ML)

97+ Points, Eric Guido, Vinous: "Deeper, darker and more sensual than the Annata, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva entices with a whiff of lavender and sage before giving way to dried cherry, cedar dust, worn leather and spice. It's surprisingly lifted and finessed, with a salty core of savory minerals to offset its ripe wild berry fruits. A jolt of stimulating acidity maintains harmony throughout. It finishes with admirable length and a saline character, leaving hints of licorice that fade slowly. Despite the growing season, the 2018 comes across as a classic in the making, showing the structure and balance required throughout to promote cellaring. Sadly, production totaled only 8,000 bottles." 11/23

97+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Biondi-Santi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva saw its fruit harvested after warm end-of-summer winds dried the fruit after rains. It resulted in fruit with extra pulp and thinner skins. This Riserva has a medium-plus body and delivers generous aromas of dark cherry, underbrush, potting soil and sweet spice. Its structure remains fine and the alcohol content is a very contained 13.3%. The wine is essentially elegant and fine with a slightly rounder or soft fruit profile that cedes to bright freshness and a long, polished finish." 11/24

98 Points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com: "The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva pours a deeper red color, while the nose reveals aromas of strawberries, anise spice, and roses, along with incense. Medium-bodied, refreshing, and mouthwatering, with a refined feel, it displays a ripe citrus-noted profile on the palate, with a hint of dusty earth and a long, clean finish. It's a beautiful and freshly styled Riserva to enjoy over the coming 20 years. Bottled in June of 2023, 9000 bottles were produced." 01/25

98 Points, Kerin Okeefe, KerinOkeefe.com: "Camphor, wild rose, forest berry and botanical herb are just some of the aromas you’ll find on the intensely fragrant Biondi Santi 2018 Riserva. Showing great pedigree and class, the elegantly structured palate features succulent Morello cherry, orange peel, licorice and rosemary lifted by fresh acidity. Taut, polished tannins lend support and balance. A fantastic wine that while already tempting will be hitting the start of its ideal drinking window in a few years where it will stay for decades. Drink 2030–2053..." 02/25