Been nearly 3 months without a Brunello offering around here.

Too long that is!

Don’t you doubt that we keep trying… With the so-so 2017 vintage, prices went up while quality was down across the board. Hence, we waited for the awesomeness that is 2018, and we thought…

How about a roughly HALF-priced 96+ pointer single vineyard beauty to kick things off with?

This is our second Cortonesi Brunello by the way, hailing from the border of Montosoli, with soils and microclimate pitch-perfect enough to make neighbors jealous. And what’s in the glass is just that too, it blooms with a bouquet that melds the floral with the mineral while offering gobs of dark ripe cherries married to a dusty, earthy undertone. It’s silky in texture yet with sneaky ultra-fine tannins that beg for aging or decanting. Traditionally soulful, while modern at heart, it finishes long and complex, with admirable poise, elegance, and grace.

Vinous explains with an early impression that “Cortonesi is located in the northeast of Montalcino. Tommaso Cortonesi makes several comparisons to the 2008 vintage when talking about 2018, or possibly even a throwback to the 1990s. He also explained that the 2018s would surprise with their aging potential. I can certainly see this from their La Mannella vineyard, located near the hill of Montosoli… the 2018 finishes structured with fine tannins and long, leaving hints of licorice and currants to linger on. What a beauty. Of note, in 2018 La Mannella benefited from the addition of the old-vine fruit that would typically be used for the Riserva.”

That Riserva was last made in 2016 and went for $200. This was released at a substantially more affordable $80.

At our price? Going, going…

96+ Points – Raffaele Vecchione

“Genuine and refined in the primary profile showing notes of rose petals, grapefruit, mandarin juice and guaranà. A lot of linden describes the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, perfectly matured tannins, biting and lively at the moment and a finale which lengthens in progression from the central palate onwards. The savoury closure really gives something extra. Better from 2025.”