2019 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo IGT Jeroboam 3L, Tuscany

Solid and composed, centered and visionary a Brunello di Montalcino that sinuously and calmly offers a layered sensory profile of all respect. Notes of lavender and plums blend with total grace with nuances of lime and bergamot. In the background, guarana, hints of karkadè and haematic traits combine with citrusy tones of varying intensity to create a uniquely crafted sensory image Full body, perfectly ripe tannins of unbelievable grace and quality and a splendidly graceful finish that combines wisdom, freshness and soul in a three-dimensional wine with a distinctly modern character. 

98 points RV Winescritics

The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo has an elegant, ever-changing bouquet with black fruits and a pronounced mineral signature of dusty slate and crushed stone. With 63-year-old vines, this site is located along the picturesque, cypress-lined dirt road that leads to this imposing castello (one of the greatest architectural works in Italian wine). The bouquet fleshes out to show tobacco leaf, linden tree, balsam herb, exotic spice and an especially fresh quality of berry fruit that sits somewhere on the cusp of over-ripeness. The fruit tastes sweet but in a delicately measured way, and the tannins are elegant with dryness that is not overdone. This is a very pretty wine (with only 5,000 bottles made).

Owned by Brazilian entrepreneur Andrè Santos Esteves and managed by the very talented Bernardino Sani, Argiano is on a roll. We are seeing some beautiful wines from this landmark estate located in the southwest quadrant of the appellation. I especially applaud the wines that are made with elegance in mind, like the exceptional 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo. That wine represents an important departure from a heavily oak-driven wine such as the blended 2021 Solengo.

97 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Argiano has been part of Montalcino's winemaking history since the sixteenth century, its magnificent Renaissance villa surrounded by vineyards on the southwestern side of the appellation. Under the ownership of André Esteves and the direction of Bernardino Sani, the estate has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance, with organic viticulture and a renewed focus on vineyard expression at the heart of its success. Vigna del Suolo is Argiano's most distinguished single vineyard Brunello, made from an exceptional parcel of old vine Sangiovese and produced in limited quantities.

The vineyard's limestone rich soils and mature vines give Vigna del Suolo its distinctive combination of concentration, mineral detail and finely structured tannins. The 2019 vintage is considered one of the finest recent years in Montalcino, thanks to a long, balanced growing season that delivered beautifully ripe fruit without sacrificing acidity. At Argiano, the result is a particularly complete expression of Sangiovese, combining the aromatic elegance of the estate's style with the depth and structure that make great Brunello so rewarding to cellar.

Deep ruby red with garnet highlights. Black cherry, wild raspberry and red plum are joined by dried rose, violet and blood orange, followed by hints of liquorice, tobacco, cedar and crushed stone. The palate is concentrated yet remarkably poised, with ripe red and dark fruit framed by firm, beautifully polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps everything energetic, while savoury herbs, orange peel and subtle earthy notes contribute further complexity. The finish is long and beautifully defined, with lingering cherry, spice and a distinctly mineral character. There is a wonderful sense of completeness here, combining the power of the vintage with Argiano's trademark refinement.

Porcini risotto, pappardelle with wild mushrooms or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would all be excellent partners. For a more traditional Tuscan table, consider bistecca alla Fiorentina or slow braised lamb with rosemary and garlic. This is a wine worth decanting generously if opened young, although the real pleasure may lie in watching it evolve over the next twenty years.

Cellaring: Drink 2028 to 2050+. The exceptional balance and structure of the 2019 vintage suggest outstanding long term ageing potential.