2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago
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Tasting notes
Cool-toned yet full of ripe dark berries, offset yet again by dusty dried florals and smoke, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago pulls you close to the glass. The textures are soft, pliant, almost fleshy in feel, with polished black fruits and nuances of sweet tobacco that form toward the close. The finish is long and lightly structured, and a twang of sour citrus keeps the mouth watering for more. This is a lovely expression, and with medium-term cellaring potential as well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago (with 5,000 bottles made) sees fruit sourced from a vineyard site located in the northern part of the appellation. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio expression that is aged in new 300-liter French barrique, this wine is instead aged in large 30- and 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks. In theory, this wine sees less oak-exposed surface area and follows a classic or traditional approach to Tuscan winemaking. Stylistically speaking, this Brunello is sharper and glossier with fragrant tones of wild berry and rose hip. The acidity is more pronounced, giving this wine beautifully contoured edges.
Mid ruby with orange tinges. Brooding and subdued nose. Closed palate that has a compact build. Firm, bitter-sweet tannins that do not overwhelm the fruit. Very slow to unfurl. Needs more time to show its colours. (WS)
Concentrated ruby with orange tinges. Tight, sour-cherry nose with a hint of marzipan. Succulent palate with almost racy acidity on the finish and with firm, tannic bite. Quite complete, but just needs a little more time. (WS) (JR)