2015 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
A whiff of crushed cherries and wild herbs lift the glass without a single swirl in Donatella Cinelli Colombini's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino. Looking deeper, I find raspberry, leather, notes of forest floor and wilted roses. On the palate, velvety textures sweep across the senses, displaying fleshy black cherries, dipped in sweet spice with hints of mint and slow-mounting tannins. The finish is medium in length, with dark fruits that slowly fade, leaving hints of savory herbs and a coating of fine tannin. The 2015 is a bit one-dimensional on the palate, but it is quite intriguing in its aromatics. It should be an interesting wine to follow over the coming years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Sweet and a little stalky on the nose and mellow and gentle on the palate. Looks older than it is and lacks a little in vigour. (WS)
The Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2015 Brunello di Montalcino caps long years of careful study and experimentation. When I think back to what this wine tasted like, say, 10 years ago, I notice that the ongoing stylistic tweaks faithfully reflect the general evolution of the appellation. This wine is very much a symbol of a united move toward more streamlined and delicate expressions obtained with winemaking techniques that reflect a more traditional and Tuscan ideal. The bouquet opens to delicate flowers and violets with wild cherry and bitter almond. The level of toast and spice has been ratcheted down quite considerably. The results are polished, clean and bright. Some 42,000 bottles were made (and were released in January 2020).
The ripe-cherry, flower and hot-stone aromas are very attractive. Full body. Dense and layered with a beautiful center palate and intensity. Cedar and light dried-flower character shows through as well. Try after 2022.