Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 (OWC 3x75cl)

Description

By Wine Advocate in 2022 (WA98+)

The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine’s elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless.

By WinesCritic in 2022 (RV98)

Incredibly dark and compact in the sensory profile showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, incense, cumin, juniper berries, saldalwood, fondant chocolate, burnt sage, bay, thyme and cola. The secondary scene of a subtle but easily recognised sensory form alternates nuances of bergamot and fig and vetiver leaves. It changes in the glass, coming to life and igniting with ‘hot’ balsamic sensations. Full bodied, perfectly matured tannins of splendid quality and a composed, vibrant finale which shows genuine tension with a lovely glossy bitterness in the closure. Better from 2026.

By Wine Enthusiast in 2022 (WE97)

New leather, pressed rose and mature berry aromas slowly appear in the glass along with whiffs of underbrush and pipe tobacco. On the structured, elegant palate, firm but ultrarefined tannins provide the backbone for juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and cake spice. While it promises decades of evolution, it’s already rewarding and almost at the start of its long drinking window.