The 2019 La Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino is a standout offering from Tuscany's renowned Brunello di Montalcino sub-region. This Sangiovese wine has garnered high praise from several esteemed reviewers, highlighting its exemplary qualities and potential for aging.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 98 points, noting its distinct floral and fresh character with "rose stem, sandalwood, and orange blossom," complemented by cherries. He described it as "full-bodied yet reserved," praising its "creamy fine tannins and a beautiful finish." Suckling emphasized its "brightness and finesse" and considered it "one of the best" he has had from Cerbaia. He recommends giving it three to four more years, suggesting to "try after 2026" (jamessuckling.com, 11/28/2023).
Jeb Dunnuck gave the wine a solid 93 points, observing its "brickish red color" and noting aromas of "fruitcake on the nose, with dried fruits, walnuts, leather, and wet stones." He described it as "firmly structured but well-balanced," with "good concentration and ripe fruit holding it all together." Dunnuck called it "an impressive wine from Cerbaia to drink over the coming 10-12 years" (jebdunnuck.com, 2/28/2024).
Vinous rated the wine at 92 points, appreciating its "earthy and savory" profile with a balance of "old cedar spice box and dried roses" enhanced by "orange zest and bright cherries." The review highlighted its "wonderfully pure and silky" texture, "juicy acidity," and "fine-grained tannins" that result in a long and staining finish. The reviewer noted that this Brunello "will require minimal cellaring to show its best" (Vinous, 12/1/2023).
Kerin O'Keefe also praised the wine, giving it 94 points and describing it as "utterly delicious." She noted its "heady aromas of blue flower, wild herb, and camphor," which open up to a "smooth, savory palate" with flavors of "juicy black cherry, blackberry, blood orange, truffle, and tobacco." O'Keefe highlighted its "tightly woven, velvety tannins" and advised to "drink 2027–2034" (kerinokeefe.com, 12/1/2023).
Overall, the 2019 La Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino is a highly regarded wine that showcases the purity of fruit, structural balance, and aging potential characteristic of top-tier Brunellos.