2021 Brunello di Montalcino
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A medium red hue, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino boasts a good deal of lifted spice intensity on the nose, with aromas of clove, blood orange, redcurrants, cranberries, spice, iron-rich earth, and toasted incense. It offers more vibrancy than I have come to expect from these wines. Medium-bodied and lively with a bright spine of acidity, it has a compact core of fine, angular tannins and a zesty mouthwatering finish. It’s quite a departure from previous wines from this estate, and it has a lot of tension. Drink 2026-2040.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin (Vinous)
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The Castiglion del Bosco 2021 Brunello di Montalcino, produced in a sizable run of approximately 70,000 bottles and aged in French oak, shows ripe fruit nuances alongside a declared 15% alcohol. Despite this apparent power, the wine feels surprisingly restrained in texture, coming across as almost brittle on first impression. Dry tannins and sour fruit mark the finish, lending a thorny quality. At this price point, the wine leaves the impression of unrealized potential.
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is wildly expressive, mixing exotic florals with peppery herbs, cedar shavings and black cherries. It is soothingly round and silky, with cooling acidity and mineral-inflected wild berry fruits offset by subtle citrus. Staining and long, the 2021 finishes with a subtle chewy concentration and saline depth.
Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Upfront, unsettled nose with quite a bit of smoky notes and oak, then with aeration becomes more minerally and complex. Supple cherry fruit with lively acidity, while the smoky oak (?) note is still quite dominant on the finish. Time might resolve this? (WS)