2015 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The 2015 La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino pulls you closer to the glass with its alluring bouquet of dark, dusty black cherry, laced with balsamic spice, hints of olive, leather and cedar. On the palate, silky textures with an almost-creamy weight usher in cool-toned red and black fruits, coasting effortlessly across the senses despite its weight, as notes of tobacco, spice and minty herbal tones build. The finish is long, hinting at spiced herbal tea, leather, red currant and inner florals, with a layer of drying tannin beneath and a bit of perceptible heat. I don't see this getting better with time, but for those who appreciate a darker, warmer and more immediate style of Brunello, the La Fornace will give a lot of pleasure.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Almost impenetrable ruby. Impressively concentrated nose of cherry fruit with just the merest suggestion of fruit cake. Rich and generous on the palate, too, with the oak almost integrated in the sweet fruit. Fantastic tannic chew on the finish. Quite a mouthful, but the acidity lifts the whole. Completely ready now. (WS)
This is a plusher style of Brunello 2015 with dried cloves, cinnamon, mocha, coffee beans and dark cherries. Hints of jam. Full-bodied, chewy and very spicy; the ripe-cassis flavors wash the palate out with unrelenting decadence. Drink from 2026.