2021 Tenuta Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany

A touch of hazelnut chocolate to the ripe plums and cherries, with hints of minerals and dried grapefruit. Structured and bright, with almost full body and a succulent, vertical finish. A lot going on at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2027.

94 points James Suckling

A magnificent follow up to the excellent value 2020, Col d’Orcia’s 2021 is a testament to the Marone Cinzano family’s ongoing work in the vineyard to meet the challenges of the changing climate. It is sparkling ruby in hue and still admirably youthful in aromas. Behind pepper-flecked raspberry, a complex symphony awaits, refreshing the palate as much as it fills it, offering clarity of Mediterranean herbs, red cherry and black currants. Really serious stuffing with an underlying juiciness. The well fastened chalky tannins should carry it for the next 12-15 years at least. With a production of 220,000 bottles, there is plenty to go around.

94 points Decanter

One of Montalcino's historic estates, Col d'Orcia has been producing wine on the southern slopes of the appellation for generations. Its modern story is closely associated with the Cinzano family, who acquired the property in 1973 and helped establish its international reputation. Today, Count Francesco Marone Cinzano continues that legacy, overseeing an estate renowned for its commitment to organic farming and traditional Brunello. The name Col d'Orcia means hill overlooking the Orcia River, a fitting description of this beautiful corner of Tuscany, where Sangiovese has found an especially distinguished home.

Made entirely from Sangiovese, locally known as Brunello, the fruit comes from the estate's vineyards overlooking the Orcia valley. The combination of Mediterranean sunshine, cooling breezes and varied clay and limestone soils helps produce wines with generous fruit, firm structure and excellent natural acidity. The 2021 vintage is regarded as one of the finest recent years in Montalcino, delivering beautifully ripe grapes with impressive balance and aromatic definition. Col d'Orcia follows a traditional approach, ageing its Brunello in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the fruit and savoury character of Sangiovese to develop without excessive oak influence.

Brilliant ruby garnet with a youthful, luminous centre. Ripe red cherry, wild raspberry and plum mingle with dried rose petals, violet and a hint of blood orange. Notes of liquorice, tobacco, cedar and dried sage emerge as the wine opens. The palate is beautifully structured, with succulent red fruit, firm but finely shaped tannins and refreshing acidity. There is an appealing savoury quality beneath the fruit, with orange peel, earthy spice and a subtle mineral character adding complexity. The finish is long, fragrant and persistent, leaving impressions of cherry, dried herbs and fine, powdery tannins. A classic Brunello with the balance and substance to reward patience.

Porcini risotto, wild mushroom pappardelle or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would all be excellent companions. Duck breast with cherries, slow roasted lamb with rosemary or a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina would also suit its structure and depth. Decant for an hour or two if opening young, although this is a wine that will become even more rewarding with several years in the cellar.

Cellaring: Drink 2028 to 2045+. The excellent balance, concentration and tannin structure of the 2021 vintage suggest outstanding long term ageing potential.