2018 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino

Masses of crushed cherries and cloves give way to nuances of spiced citrus peels and cedar as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is round and pliant on the palate, with a balanced inner sweetness contrasting its mineral-tinged acids and tart wild berry fruits. Grippy tannins mount toward the close, yet fail to slow the 2018’s momentum, as notes of salted licorice are left to resonate under an air of dried roses. This is a deep and characterful rendition of Col d'Orcia’s Brunello, but patience will be required to unlock all of its charms.

- Eric Guido (10/2022)

Full and enveloping with purple floral perfume, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is lush with violets, blue fruit, and black raspberry and leather. This moves seamlessly to the palate, where it takes on even more depth, with iron richness, meat, red cherry, raspberry, cedar, and fresh soil. A balanced wine for its style, it is a lovely expression where more warmth is not needed. Drink 2025-2040.

- Audrey Frick (03/2023)

This 2018 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino comes from the hotter south-western part of the appellation near Sant’Angelo in Colle and this particular estate is very near to the Orcia river. These wines tend to be uncompromising and austere when young. This 2018 is a darker, blacker color than many 2018s. The aromas are a little earthy with leafy, green notes and bramble fruit. On the palate the tannins are very firm-edged. This is a much more traditional style producer whose wines do not show their best until they are 20 years old or more. The wines can look very flat when they are young. In November 2022 at the winery, I tasted Col D’Orcia Riserva 1968 which was looking fresh and lively and drinking beautifully, so you may need plenty of patience!

- Susan Hulme (02/2023)

This promising Brunello is hallmarked by pretty cherry, strawberry, currant and floral aromas and flavors. Starts out elegant and lacy, then the dense matrix of tannins emerges, giving different character to the long finish. Reveals wild herb and mineral notes that add depth. Best from 2025 through 2043. 16,600 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

- Bruce Sanderson (06/2023)

A certified organic wine, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has dark fruit, bold cherry, earthy notes and a hint of black olive or scorched earth. The wine is generous and round in terms of mouthfeel with a streamlined mid-palate and plenty of Sangiovese acidity to keep things lively and fresh. The tannins are well managed and silky. This is an abundant release of 200,000 bottles.

- Monica Larner (03/2023)