We SOLD OUT on our first Marathon, but the Operatives on the live stream spoke and we listened. The rest of the day we have MICA!

Az. Agr. Pietroso 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

Az. Agr. Pietroso 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck

Mission Codename Homegrown

Last Calls on 2015 Brunello!?

All good things must come to an end one day, dear Operatives and as the 2016s hit our shores, deals from the impeccable 2015 vintage for Brunello vintage are starting to get scarce by the day.

This one was one of our favorites by far and our initial allocation went fast. Now we’re back for seconds, quite possibly for the very last time, DO NOT MISS OUT on one of the best values on TOP Brunello out there today.

The 2016 Pietroso scored 98+ points, so we’re already begging and pleading for a day with that one too, while we ride this 2015 train until the wheels fall off.

After all, how can you resist a 94-pointer Jeb Dunnuck called “pure class” from one of the best vintages EVER? Especially at nearly half off.

Remember, this is a vintage called “picture-perfect” by Wine Advocate reporting “I remember the 2015 vintage in Tuscany through a photographer’s lens. Each snapshot I carry in my memory recalls the sheer perfection… Ask anyone who farmed Sangiovese that year. They will tell you: Fruit has never been more beautiful than it was in the picture-perfect 2015 vintage.”

And now, let’s explore this hidden gem!

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous points out that “The estate was bought by Domenico Berni, nicknamed Belfo, in the 1970s (he was the fattore or main farmhand of Villa a Tolli, Poggio Salvi and others) with the objective to make wine for home use. He started out with 0.5 hectares but as everyone told him his wine was too good to be limited to family consumption, he began selling some with the 1978 vintage.”

Fast forward a bit: “Since 2010 they have been farming a small plot of vines at the top of the Montosoli hill that has been replanted to Sangiovese. The estate’s goal is to make a single vineyard or a Brunello selection from this very prestigious site, apparently blessed with a slightly warmer microclimate than the estate’s other sites… Pietroso’s wines have improved immeasurably over the last decade.”

Serious Brunello drinkers know the style typically falls into one of two camps - modern or traditional. And this, to us, is the ultimate bridge between the two. Thanks to the upfront personality of the extraordinary year, it’s quite opulent and flashy, with a nice ripeness. Still, it offers extraordinary complexity, with a savory side and sneaky tannins, reminding us of classics like Biondi Santi with its exotic perfume of black cherries dusted with cocoa powder. The liveliness and traction lead to a glorious finish that continually unfolds with a potpourri of floral and spicy nuances. Approachable at this youthful stage, it will sing with the wildest of foodstuffs, be it mushrooms or game or cheeses and charcuterie.

But you know what’s even wilder? 44% off on a 94 pointer. Once at $85 and today at $48.

Fair warning though - cherrypicked boutique Brunello from 2015 does not last long around here…

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“Terrific notes of black cherries, currants, chocolate, and tobacco leaf nuances all emerge from the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino. This is pure class, offering medium to full-bodied richness, a focused, elegant texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. This classic, balanced beauty will evolve for 15-20 years. Drink 2020-2040.”

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a nicely balanced Sangiovese that provides equal parts dark fruit and savory spice. That sense of pretty balance continues to the palate where the wine shows freshness and integrated tannins. The mouthfeel and textural richness of the wine is enhanced by the sunny conditions of the vintage and the balanced ripeness of the fruit on display here. Here’s a good excuse for a roasted game hen with crunchy potatoes. Drink 2021-2030.”

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Bright dark red-ruby. Expressive aromas of blueberry, nutmeg, flowers and herbs, with an undertone of graphite; I find this to be a much darker nose than usual, at least compared to the last few vintages. Then bright and subtle, with stone fruit and spice flavors framed by harmonious acidity. Not a blockbuster and little too dark fruited and herbal in its aromatic and flavor profiles, for my ideal of Sangiovese, but elegant, with a suave, classically dry finish. Drink 2023-2030.”

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Tasting Profile Tasting Profile

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
Az. Agr. Pietroso 2015 Brunello di Montalcino 750ml Wine Label
Look

A haunting deeper cherry red graduating to a clearer and brighter ruby getting paler on the edge

Smell

Reminds us of classics like Biondi Santi with its exotic perfume of black cherries dusted with cocoa powder

Taste

Thanks to the upfront personality of the year, it’s opulent and flashy, also super complex and savory with sneaky tannins

Finish

The liveliness and traction lead to a glorious finish that continually unfolds with a potpourri of floral and spicy nuances

Pairing

Approachable at this youthful stage, it will sing with wild foodstuffs, mushrooms or game or cheeses and charcuterie

What the Winery Says 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

Az. Agr. Pietroso
Az. Agr. Pietroso
Consulting winemaker
Alessandro Dondi
Winemaker
Gianni Pignattai
Varietal
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Vintage
2015
Appellation
Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany
Locale
Montosoli
Alcohol
15%
Age of vines
30+ years
Aging
38 months (8 in tonneaux, 30 in 32HL botti)
Barrels
Newer French barrique & older 32HL Slavonian botti

About the Winery Az. Agr. Pietroso

Az. Agr. Pietroso Winemaker Alessandro Dondi
Az. Agr. Pietroso Winemaker Alessandro Dondi
Az. Agr. Pietroso 2015 Brunello di Montalcino 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Jul 06, 2021 at 11:59 pm
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Az. Agr. Pietroso 2015 Brunello di Montalcino 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Jul 06, 2021 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
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