2020 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The San Filippo 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is first defined by its brightness and acidic freshness that is dialed-in nicely. Fruit comes from the estate's historic vineyard plot. The wine is angular and sharp on the palate with tart berry flavors, bitter cassis, pink peppercorn and spice. The tannins are on the chalky side, and the wine delivers crisp flavors over a medium-plus finish. I suggest you give this wine more time to mellow out. Production is 15,000 bottles. Winemaking has been tweaked over the years to avoid too much extraction. The 2020 vintage was especially hot with a few days of rain at the beginning of September. They waited for the fruit to dry on the vine and started harvest the last week of September (concluding on the 8th of October), which is considerably later than the neighbors. Destemmed fruit is managed with easy pump-overs and, on occasion, délestage. Fermentations rarely last more than 18 days.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ripe and balsamic style with macerated violets and some lifted aromas of black cherries. The attack is firm with tight and chalky tannins, crisp acidity and medium to full body. A bit too young at the moment, but both the complexity and integration will increase with time. Best after 2026.
Vibrant and intense, the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino San Filippo dei Comunali bursts from the glass with a vivid black raspberry and clove bouquet complicated by dried orange peels and hints of incense. It displays silken textures and polished red and blue fruits that swirl across the palate and slowly drench the senses in primary concentration. The 2020 finishes long and spicy, yet lifted in feel, leaving a web of sweet tannins and a bitter tinge of sour citrus to linger on.