“A standard by which I judge the other wines of the region.” – Wine Advocate

DOUBLE 96 point Berunello for UNDER $50?! What tariffs? We must have missed that memo!

Year in, year out, Pertimali holds rank amongst the most hypnotizing reds of this heralded appellation. Often considered a peer of legends such as Soldera or Biondi-Santi, they’re high on our shortlist of the very best of Brunello.

As James Suckling once summed it up, Livio Sassetti “redefines Brunello.”

A spotlight by Vinous points out that “For over a century, the Sassetti family has produced one of the region’s most traditional wines in the Northeast of Montalcino. It’s on the Montosoli hill that they tend their Sangiovese vines, employing both organic and biodynamic practices to assure that each harvest captures the signature of the vineyard and the vintage. This passion-driven approach continues in the winery, where respect for tradition is coupled with a hands-off mentality. The grapes are allowed to ferment spontaneously before being moved by gravity, during specific phases of the moon, into large oak botti for a long slumber. What emerges from this cellar is a traditionally styled Brunello with an attractive rustic edginess, which speaks of the vintage first, and then the unique galestro soils and hillside exposures of Montosoli.”

Unbiased, and undazzled by the glorious triple 94-96 reviews we dive deep into the glass…

Ripe cherry, strawberry, and currant flavors meld into tobacco, spice, woodsy, and mineral elements too. Light on its feet and supple, ending with hints of orange peel and rose hip tea. Harmonious and elegant, while rich and opulent, with generous raspberry and anise on the long and complex finish, speckled over dark chocolate, coffee, and exotic spices like nutmeg. Telltale tannins are there but they are fine and not domineering, making for a seductive wine that’s cellar-ready for the long haul.

“Wow” is right, Mr. Suckling. The only thing on my mind now is fixing a Bistecca alla Fiorentina to dial in the perfect evening.

At the absolute best price in the entire world, there’s not much else left to say. But we’ll drive one last point home: it definitely won’t last long.

96 Points – James Suckling “Wow. So perfumed and intense with raspberries, oranges, orange peel and hints of bark and spices. Some balsamic. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a long, concentrated finish. Delicious now but will improve with age. Drink or hold.”

96 Points – Raffaele Vecchione “Black plums, blackberries, sandalwood, dark chocolate, sage, bay leaves, juniper berries, black pepper, bergamot, incense, cumin, camphor, cloves, and nutmeg. Decidedly spicy and with dark features, it shows sensorial smoothness, profound identity, and a finish of great pressing but genuine and tasty progression.”

94 Points – Vinous “I love the energy and radiance of Livio Sassetti Pertimali’s Brunello. Every time I come across these wines in a tasting amongst their peers, they stand out for their character, complexity and core of brilliant acidity. These Brunellos are quite appealing despite their youthful structure and tension. The Pertimali portfolio of Brunello is made up entirely of estate vineyards on the hill of Montosoli. Balsamic-tinged black cherries and plums combine with minty herbs and hints of undergrowth as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known in the glass. It possesses a balanced inner sweetness, deep mineral aromas, and silken textures that create a seductive impression. It finishes with tremendous length and potency, leaving nuances of licorice and spiced citrus. Edgy tannins resonate yet don’t get in the way of the 2020’s giving personality. Drink 2026-2036.”