2019 Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany

The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a beautifully intense and rich expression of Sangiovese. Only 3,600 bottles and some larger formats were created. The wine is expertly played out with hydrated tannins, bold fruit flavors and a long finish. This epic wine follows in the footsteps of the 2016 vintage, probably the best ever in my view. This estate does an excellent job of combining power and elegance in perfect unison and balance.

97 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Like some of the finest wines, this stands out for bright fruit and drinkability but has huge structure and potential for the long haul. On the nose, it shines with youthfulness, showing telltale raspberries fresh with smoky-woodland and licorice depth. The attack is full-bodied with elegant, thick, velvety tannins, structured and refined. This has a crisp, long and superpolished finish despite the frame. Best ever from here. Drink or hold.

97 points James Suckling

Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto is one of Montalcino's most admired small estates, founded by Gianni Brunelli and his wife Laura in 1987. Today, Laura Brunelli continues the family's dedication to beautifully crafted Sangiovese, producing Brunellos that combine traditional Tuscan character with remarkable elegance. The Riserva is a particularly special wine, made only in exceptional vintages and prized for its depth, complexity and ageing potential.

The estate's vineyards include Le Chiuse di Sotto, on the northern side of Montalcino, and Podernovone to the southeast. The outstanding 2019 vintage produced wonderfully balanced Sangiovese, with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity and beautifully structured tannins. Extended maturation has given this Riserva additional complexity without diminishing its freshness.

Deep ruby red with developing garnet edges. Black cherry, wild raspberry and ripe plum mingle with dried rose petals, orange peel, liquorice and sweet tobacco. The palate is concentrated yet wonderfully refined, with succulent red fruit, firm silky tannins and a lively mineral freshness. Notes of cedar, balsamic herbs and earthy spice carry through a remarkably persistent finish.

Try it with handmade pici and wild mushroom ragù, slow roasted duck with cherries, or porcini stuffed eggplant with aged pecorino. This is a wine worth decanting generously and enjoying over a long evening.

Cellaring: Drink 2029 to 2050+. A superb Riserva from an exceptional vintage, with the structure and balance for decades of development.