- 98 points -

Gianni Brunelli’s Riserva is built from the Olmo vineyard in Montalcino’s southeast. Reaching 500 metres on stony soil, this warm site is the first to be picked by the estate. A small portion of the northeast-facing Le Chiuse di Sotto vineyard is added for freshness and aromatic lift. Heady and inviting, the 2016 presents ripe florals of mint blossom, peony and allspice on a nutty, truffly backdrop. It is iron-edged and succulent on the palate. The tannins are steely yet supple, ultimately clinging gracefully to fresh red cherry and blueberry. Tarragon resounds on the finish. Thrillingly tense.

- 97 points -

Cellar Selection

Underbrush, ripe red-fruit, sandalwood and menthol aromas all come together in the glass on this gorgeous wine. Full bodied and delicious, it boasts a weightless concentration, delivering ripe black cherry, vanilla and licorice before a tobacco finish. Firm, refined tannins provide support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced.

- 96 points -

Plum, wild berry, tobacco, crushed herb and balsamic aromas all come together on this elegant red. The palate shows its Sangiovese and Montalcino pedigree, delivering juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco alongside taut, polished tannins. It's bright and well balanced, with firm acidity that will keep it going for years. 

- 96 points -

Full-bodied and savory, this offers aromas of new leather, camphor, mature dark-skinned fruit and cedar. The firmly structured palate delivers dried Marasca cherry, blood orange, mocha and licorice framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins.

- 95 points -

Gianni Brunelli's Riserva always contains a high percentage of the estate's Vigna Olmo plot. A warm, south-facing site, it gives the wine its richness, however the schistose-galestro soil is rich in limestone and also imparts plenty of structure, while the lofty altitude of up to 500 metres confers beautifully precise aromas. The 2013 Riserva offers a restrained yet seductive nose of lavender, blood orange and moist earth. Silky tannins and luscious acidity back up the generously red-berried palate, giving a deceptive impression of lightness. This is all finesse and grace.

- 95 points -

Beautiful intensity, but also focus to the nose of this Brunello. Wild strawberries, tar and cherry kernel vie to be heard above a chorus of forest floor and tobacco. The palate has wonderful compression, herding vibrant cherries and chewy tannins into shape; there’s balance, focus and depth, all in one package.

97+

The deep, sensual 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up with spice-dusted cherries, sweet herbs and hints of flowery undergrowth. It fills the senses with rich yet tart black raspberries and exotic spice, along with a hint of citrus that sends sparks across the palate, creating a pliant yet nicely chiseled effect. The 2016 tapers off like a black hole of structure, turning quite savory but with a coating of fine tannin that seems to devour the coating of primary fruits beneath it. Masses of tobacco and brown spice linger. The sheer density, amazing minerality and balanced acidity make the 2016 Riserva an extremely exciting wine.