2020 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Magnum 1.5L, Tuscany

The nose is defined by the warm sweetness of mocha, toasted sage, orange peel and sweet, ripe blackberry. On the palate, black cherries accentuate that blackberry note, before a wave of super tart citrus swells alongside searing acid to lift the finish. Brunello is always good, but sometimes it's also exciting.

96 points Wine Enthusiast

Here’s a nicely balanced Brunello that boasts bright cherry fruit intensity despite the many years of cellar aging required by the appellation. The Argiano 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a robust layer of red and purple berry fruits along with soft spice, grilled herb and sweet potting soil. There is a slightly botanical element to the wine with green herb and dried lavender. The wine is made with fruit from old and new vines, ranging in age from 12 to 55 years old. The tannins are very fine-grained, and the acidity is present to good effect but is not too sharp. This is an ample 104,000-bottle release. Drink: 2025-2038 

94 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate Nov 2024 

A magnificent Renaissance villa, centuries of winemaking history and some of the finest vineyards in southern Montalcino make Argiano one of Tuscany's most distinguished estates. Its modern revival under the direction of Bernardino Sani has been equally impressive, with organic farming, meticulous vineyard work and a more sensitive approach to Sangiovese transforming the quality of the wines. The estate's 2018 Brunello famously claimed Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2023, bringing international attention to a producer already enjoying a remarkable run of form. The 2020 continues that success with a particularly generous and beautifully balanced expression of Brunello.

Made exclusively from Sangiovese, the fruit comes from Argiano's vineyards on the southwestern side of Montalcino, where limestone and clay soils help shape the wine's structure and character. The 2020 growing season was generally warm, producing ripe, expressive fruit while retaining the freshness essential to good Brunello. Maturation in large oak casks allows the natural character of Sangiovese to remain prominent, with the estate favouring elegance and harmony rather than excessive extraction. Compared with the more tightly structured 2019 and 2021 vintages, the 2020 has an appealing openness and generosity that should make it particularly enjoyable in its earlier years.

Bright ruby red with garnet highlights. Ripe cherry, red plum and wild raspberry lead the aromas, followed by dried rose, violet and a little blood orange. Hints of tobacco, liquorice, cedar and dried thyme emerge with air. The palate is supple and generous, with juicy red fruit, polished tannins and a refreshing thread of acidity. There is lovely savoury detail beneath the fruit, with orange peel, earthy spice and a subtle mineral character contributing complexity. The finish is long, fragrant and beautifully balanced, leaving a lingering impression of cherry, herbs and fine, powdery tannins.

Porcini risotto, mushroom pappardelle or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would all suit its generous character. Duck breast with cherries, rosemary roasted lamb or a classic bistecca alla Fiorentina would be equally appealing. Decant for an hour if opening young, although this is a Brunello that should be approachable sooner than some of its more structured neighbours.

Cellaring: Drink 2027 to 2040. The 2020 vintage combines early appeal with sufficient structure and balance for another decade or more of rewarding development.