“Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature… a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging.” – Wine Advocate

As always, you’re looking at the best price anywhere for a 98-pointer flagship. With three more 95, 96 and 97s to back it up, everyone is in agreement: this is some serious stuff.

And yet, our price drops it into relatively modest territory for Brunello of this caliber.

Mind you, this ain’t no ‘normale’ Brunello from Ciacci, which is much more commonly encountered in the wild. It’s Vigna di Pianrosso. What ‘Madonna’ is to Valdicava, what ‘Montesoli’ is to Altesino, what ‘Cerretalto’ is to Neri. A rare single-site expression of Brunello.

The heavy-hitting crown jewel of the lineup hails from a sun-drenched, natural amphitheater of iron-rich, heavy galestro soil; the terroir here makes an immediate, undeniable statement. Pianrosso stops you in your tracks. Dark and brooding, it leads with striking notes of ore, damp slate, and wild oregano.

The brilliance of 2021 lies in its poise; despite massive density and serious extract, razor-sharp acidity slices cleanly through deeply macerated dark berries to keep it remarkably agile. Monumental, chalky tannins clamp down, driving toward a bone-dry finish that lingers for minutes on end. This is not a wine for weeknight sipping. It’s a serious, highly intellectual Brunello to hoard.

Wine Advocate (who also scored this high but we ran out of space) explains why 2021 was extra special here, “Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona boasts its unique style that is undoubtedly shaped by the very special microclimate nestled on the backside of the Castelnuovo dell’Abate hill where this estate is located, with panoramic views of Monte Amiata and the rolling hills of Tuscany at its southern flank. I’ve seen the sunset from this property, and these grapes are kissed by those last golden rays of the day. I am struck by the warmth of personality on offer by this exciting range of new releases. This terrain is wild and unexplored, off the proverbial beaten path, both figuratively and literally.”

Speaking of, what we could snag won’t last the day, literally.

98 Points – James Suckling “Enticing aromas of red cherries, dried strawberries and hints of plums, cedar, sandalwood and balsamic. Medium-bodied with a tight and rich center palate and a chewy and powerful finish. This needs time to come together and soften slightly. Best after 2029.”

97 Points – Falstaff “Bright ruby with a pronounced garnet hue. Open and accessible nose, opens with notes of dark cherries, raspberries and some plums, with spicy cedar wood in the background. Full-bodied and intense on the palate, shows plenty of robust tannins, still brittle and slightly warming on the finish, still needs a long ageing period.”

96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso pours a youthful red hue and has a deeper, more complete expression in this vintage. The nose has a cologne-like lift, with brushy sage, cigar box, baked cherries, crushed stones, and licorice. Full-bodied, it stays light on its feet and carries velvety tannins, mouthwatering salinity, and refreshing acidity, with a finish that builds with warmth and spice. It should gain depth with time in bottle. Drink 2027-2040.”

95 Points – Vinous “The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso slowly evolves with nuances of tobacco, crushed stone, dried herbs, crushed violets and mentholated blackberries. Its velvety textures coat the palate with ripe red and black fruit, crisp mineral tones, fine tannins and a balancing core of stimulating acidity. The 2021 is structured and incredibly long, leaving hints of mocha and licorice on the chewy, tension-filled finish. Though powerful and intense, its inner harmony can not be denied. Drink 2030-2042.”