The 2019 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino is a Sangiovese Grosso varietal from the renowned Tuscany region in Italy. This red wine has garnered high praise from multiple professional reviewers, reflecting its quality and complexity.
According to Decanter, which awarded the wine a score of 92, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino presents "a profusion of Mediterranean herbs, forest shrub, and sweet spice." They noted its "lovely freshness and precision," with flavors of "vanilla and eucalyptus" that are interwoven with "woodland berries." Despite its youthful exuberance, Decanter mentioned that it still retains a bit of angularity, with "gravelly tannins and vivacious acidity." They also highlighted the involvement of renowned Piemontese oenologist Beppe Caviola since 2014 and the addition of ex-Vietti owners Elena Penna and Luca Currado in 2023.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 93, describing it as having "sweet fruit, plump cherry, cured tobacco and perfumed redwood." Reviewer Monica Larner emphasized the wine's savory side, noting that it is "nicely folded into a generous core of pronounced fruit." The wine was praised for its smooth and soft palate, with "velvety tannins," making it a bottle that can be enjoyed upon release.
Vinous awarded the highest score among the reviewers, giving it a 95. Eric Guido called the wine a "gorgeous interpretation of Northwest Montalcino terroir," with an "alluring bouquet of sage and rosemary" and flavors of "crushed blackberries and stone dust." He highlighted its "lovely inner sweetness" balanced by "crisp red fruits, mineral tones, and a core of vibrant acidity." The finish was described as "grippy and long yet surprisingly fresh," with a lingering primary concentration.
Jeb Dunnuck gave it a score of 94, noting its "deep ruby color" and aromas of "ripe cherries, toasted cedar, candied flowers, rosemary, and vanilla." Audrey Frick appreciated its "elegant and medium-bodied" nature, describing it as having "fine tannins and a supple texture with balanced acidity." She also mentioned its "weightless feel" and "mineral underpinnings," predicting it would be enjoyable for the next 12-15 years.
James Suckling, who gave the wine an excellent score of 96, described it as "really fine on the palate with wonderfully integrated tannins." He praised its "lovely berry, cherry, cedar, and spice" flavors, and noted additional hints of "peaches and flower stems." Suckling highlighted its "creamy texture," "extremely long and vivid" finish, and overall "beautiful drinkability with wonderful balance and form."
In summary, the 2019 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino is a highly regarded wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Sangiovese Grosso from Tuscany. Its flavors and aromas are diverse and well-integrated, making it a compelling choice for both immediate enjoyment and future aging.