2018 Brunello di Montalcino

The Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals medium-dark concentration and a blackish garnet hue. The wine is saturated and rich, carrying heavy fruit weight that takes away from the more delicate and nuanced flavors of Sangiovese. Instead, this wine delivers cured tobacco, exotic spice, tilled earth and baked blackberry. The wine feels a little too cooked on the close. This is a 50,000-bottle production.

Depths of dark, balsamic-tinged black cherry, plum sauce and autumnal spice make the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impossible to ignore. This is velvety to the core, nearly opulent in feel, with a dense wave of ripe red fruits complemented by nuances of sweet lavender and tobacco. It leaves the palate clenched with fine tannins and primary concentration, creating a classic sensation that transcends the vintage. Nearly a minute goes by, and hints of cocoa and sweet herbs continue to resonate. Wow! Production at the Pertimali estate was down by 20% due to the spring frost, and the decision was made to place all of the juice usually intended for the Riserva into the straight Brunello, the result being one of the top wines of the vintage.

Truffle, forest floor, leather and blue flower aromas mingle with whiffs of prune. Tangy and taut, the linear, vibrant palate features tart red cherry, pomegranate and star anise alongside tangy saline mineral notes. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and racy acidity provide balance and support.