- 96 points -

There’s freshness galore here i,n the form of orange zest and citrus peel. But this Brunello isn’t short on power either; red licorice, cardamom and dried hibiscus pepper the nose. To support the ripe fruit are layers of sinewy tannins and gliding acidity, making for an altogether sophisticated and edgy impression. Refined and elegant on the long finish.

- 96 points -

Talenti firm is running a project which is marking clear qualitative improvements every year. Cleanliness and finesse also in this 2017, with a very delicate nose, touches of red plum, then notes of lavender, chinotto and touches of white pepper. Palate with juicy and brackish tannins, nice tension and density, fruity-officinal finish.

- 95 points -

Well-delineated black cherry and black currant flavors are matched to graphite, earth and wild herb accents in this powerful red. Balanced in a broad-shouldered way, this leaves a vibrant impression on the lingering finish. 

- 95 points -

Talenti's Brunello is assembled from five different vineyards between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate. With varying soils, they also range in altitude from 250 to 400 metres. The lower sites develop higher alcohol and sweeter, riper fruit whereas the higher plots impart more acidity and fresh fruit. This is a delectable panoramic of 2015, bursting with evocative scents of chopped herbs, orange oil and forest berries. On the palate strawberry and raspberry are delicately laced with vanilla. Bright, juicy acidity keeps this light on its feet, while powdery tannins cleanse the mouth. Absolutely moreish, and for value for money, this is a must-buy.

- 95 points -

#17 TOP 100 WINES OF 2021

This is supple and round, evoking macerated cherry, plum and licorice flavors, framed by accents of iron, tea and wild herbs. Solidly built, with a dense matrix of tannins enforcing the finish. Shows fine overall balance. Best from 2025 through 2045. 2,600 cases made, 660 cases imported. — BS

- 94 points -

Displaying a youthful red/magenta color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is sunny and inviting with aromas of sweet berries and some blue fruit coming through on the nose, along with violets, cola, and pine. Approachable and open, it has a medium to full-bodied frame, plush tannins, and a rounded mid-palate. It displays good length and is a great offering that can be enjoyed now or over the next 10-15 years. This is a super solid value, and I would gladly enjoy it on my table.

- 94 points -

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly with a blend of savory herbs, worn leather, dried roses and cinnamon-dusted currants. This flows across the palate with textures of pure silk, racy yet refined, with a seamless wave of ripe red fruits that slowly saturate toward the close. It finishes long and staining yet harmonious. Crunchy tannins frame the experience without slowing its momentum as licorice and orange notes gradually fade. This fantastic, high-energy rendition of Talenti’s Brunello will thrive over ten to fifteen years of cellaring.

- 94 points -

Warm and deep in the sensory profile showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, wild myrtle, salted caramel and burnt mandarin rind. Full bodied, soft tannins perfectly integrated in the matrix and a sincere, genuine finale which uses persistency on the palate as its main weapon. Better from 2022.

- 94 points -

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a striking display of balsamic-tinged cherry and autumnal spice with a twist of sour citrus really appealing to the senses. It’s silky and pliant with a gorgeous display of ripe red and hints of black fruit. There’s a sweet and sour element here that I find quite attractive, as the 2016 gains a tactile feel toward the close through a mix of brisk acids and rounded tannins. The length and classic structure on the finish completes the expression, leaving dark florals and mineral earth tones. Talenti remains one of the best values in age-worthy Brunello in the market. That said, it’s also worth checking in on a bottle early to enjoy all of its primary intensity.

- 93 points -

This has aromas of ripe and dried berry fruit, praline, porcini and chili chocolate. Some salted olives, too. I like the interplay of savory and sweet fruit, with sleek tannins, fresh acidity and a medium body rendering this a very balanced and approachable Brunello.

- 93 points -

Dark berry and cherry character with bark and mahogany in both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins. Linear and tight with a long finish. Needs time to open and soften.

- 93 points -

The bouquet on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is to die for, offering cloves and balsamic spices that give way to crushed cherries, sage and fresh mint. It’s elegant yet lifted in feel, with silky textures carrying the ripe wild berry fruits effortlessly across the palate. Saline-minerals combine with grippy tannins toward the close, slowing the 2017’s momentum ever so slightly, yet still permitting the most beautiful display of hard red candies and violet florals to linger incredibly long. What a gorgeous 2017, and with short-term cellaring potential as well. Of note is that Talenti’s production was down by 25% due to the conditions of the vintage, and there will not be a Riserva, as all of the juice went to the Brunello.

- 93 points -

A pretty and solid 2016 Brunello with cherry, orange-peel and walnut aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a walnut and berry aftertaste. Give it two or three years to soften and come together. Try after 2022.

- 92 points -

The Talenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino shows a lot of soft and ripe fruit with blackberry and cherry confit at the front. Spice, leather, crushed flower and potting soil follow in due course and so does the wine's impactful 15% alcohol. This wine is a bit thin and short on the mid-palate, but otherwise, this is a solid effort for this difficult vintage. Some 25,000 bottles were rolled out.

- 92 points -

Scorched earth, underbrush, menthol and coconut aromas make their way to the forefront. The warm, brawny palate features dried cherry, prune steeped in spirits, coffee bean and licorice set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins.

- 91 points -

With strawberry, mint, cherry blossom and allspice, this 2017 possesses all the fragrant garden goodness that Talenti’s estate Brunello typically shows. Generous fruit captures the intense warmth of the vintage and some potent alcohol seeps through but its flavours remain pure. Juicy and supple, this will deliver plenty of gratification over the next five years or so. Riccardo Talenti reports starting the Sangiovese harvest on 5 September, approximately 10 days earlier than usual, picking before the acidity dropped and potential alcohol became too excessive.