Castello Banfi Brunello
Brunello di Montalcino was Italy’s first wine to be accorded DOCG status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for aging.
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Castello Banfi brings us this classic expression of the vintage. Their 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is hearty and dark with a level of distinguished power (with 15% alcohol) and sophistication that you only get with Brunello, a wine that by law ages for five years before its commercial release. Dark plum and blackcurrant segue seamlessly to spice, tar and black earth. The fruit ripeness is opulent and contrasted against elegant acidity and polished tannins. You don't need to wait long to enjoy.
This has a pretty nose of dried roses, cocoa powder, red tea, hazelnut skins, cherries, plum stones and sandalwood. Full-bodied with very finely-knit tannins and zippy acidity. So much life and energy. Drink from 2023.
Cherry and plum flavors highlight this well-structured red, along with notes of leather, earth and wild herbs. Firms up as the dense tannins come into play on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2037. 48,350 cases made. –BS Issue Jun 30, 2018
Forest floor, wild berry, coffee and toasted oak aromas come together on this. The medium-bodied palate is on the lean side, offering sour cherry, tobacco leaf, espresso and a saline note alongside lithe tannins. Drink 2020–2028.
This really explodes with ripe fruit such as dried strawberries and cranberries as well as leather and tobacco. Full body with lots of round tannins but fresh acidity and a long, remarkably savory finish. Drink now or hold. Publish Date: Friday, March 2, 2018.
A textbook Brunello, mingling cherry and berry fruit with bitter almond, iron, sanguine and tobacco notes. Well-structured and harmonious, this should rein in the tannins with a few years of aging. Best from 2020 through 2033. 8,000 cases imported.
A dense, burly style, displaying cherry, iron, leather, earth, tobacco and spice flavors. Unyielding and compact now, yet also complex and long. Best from 2022 through 2035. 250 cases imported.
A sleek and pretty red with plum and light chocolate character plus hints of walnuts. Medium to full body and fine tannins. Shows the ripe balance of the 2012 vintage for Brunello. Drink or hold.
Aromas of eucalyptus, baked plum, leather and licorice complement the chocolate, leather and tar flavors. On the savory side, with dusty tannins finishing balanced and long. Best from 2016 through 2028. –BS Wine Spectator Online
Fabulous aromas of dried rose petal, orange peel, and oyster shell with hints of dark fruits. Full body, very fine tannins with a mineral, berry and orange peel undertone. Real Tuscan dust undertone. A structured and salty and savory finish. Better in 2017.