2019 was an exciting vintage for Tuscany, and Brunello in particular. After the two previous warm  (and dry in 2017) vintages, 2019 was a return to a ‘classic’ vintage.  Many are making comparisons to the great vintages of 2016 and 2010. Overall, the wines are quite delicious, showing the finesse, energy, and balance that have critics so excited about this vintage. We’re excited to have a stellar lineup to show why there is so much buzz around this vintage. The wines are fresh and enjoyable in their youth and will handsomely reward with some cellar time. Come join us anytime from 5-7pm at our West Chelsea shop!

Here is the lineup:

2019 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino $59.99/btl ($53.99 in a mixed case)
Caprili is an old estate founded in 1965 when there were fewer than 20 properties in the zone and before the Brunello DOC was established. Near a hamlet called Tavernelle in southern Montalcino, the winery and vineyards are in a goldilocks zone that is extremely well suited to Sangiovese - low enough in elevation to have a warm microclimate but high enough to generally avoid frost damage or excessive heat. This is the same area that Gianfranco Soldera decided to purchase land in when he founded his legendary property Case Basse which is located directly south of the Caprili winery. The work here is cut from a traditional cloth with organic farming, native yeast fermentations in steel, and 3 years of ageing in large 30-60 hectoliter Slavonian botti. And although it is priced like many of the more ambitious Rosso di Montalcinos, it delivers as a first flight Brunello. Caprili is one of the best values in Brunello.

2019 Monteraponi Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Il Campitello’ - $84/btl
Monteraponi is based in Radda, ground zero for top Sangiovese in Chianti. While we crush it with their Chianti Classico normale , Il Campitello is Monteraponi’s finest wine, from 40-year-old vines which count among the estate’s oldest. This is a classic, exemplary Chianti Classico Riserva — a truly breathtaking Sangiovese. It is aromatic and inviting, firm on the palate, with beautiful acidity and texture. Perfect enjoyed today; even better aged in the cellar.

2019 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino $84.99/btl
Le Ragnaie make solid, consistent wines we’ve worked with for years.  They enjoy some of the highest altitude vineyards permitted for Brunello (~600 meters or ~2000 feet).  Certified organic since 2009, they ferment in cement tank and then do big botti elevage on their Brunello wines. These have gotten more elegant, more refined – less extracted over time, and they are pioneers in promoting single vineyard designated Brunello wines.   These are delicious, elegant and dependable wines we highly recommend.    
 

2019 Pian dell’Orino Rosso di Montalcino $90/btl
Pian dell'Orino were the among the first to be certified biodynamic in Montalcino. Their star has risen exponentially in a relatively short time. Wines are sleek and pure without being too polished. This Rosso will put other Brunellos to the test.
 

2019 Sesti Brunello di Montalcino $120/btl
For the unitiated, Giuseppe Sesti is one of Tuscany’s most vivid wine personalities. Sesti has written books on astronomy and organized Baroque opera festivals.  He moved to the region in the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until 1989 that he planted his first vines, near the castle ruins of Argiano (about 2 miles away from Soldera) from Il Poggione Cuttings. His impetus for having the best raw material prompted him to make natural wine from the get-go, though he has always shunned any official certification. The vines at Sesti have now entered a perfect period of maturity and Giuseppe’s vision has been further fine-tuned by his talented daughter, Elisa, who has been working alongside him since 1999.  The Brunello is fermented in stainless steel and ages in Botti for 39 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered placing him firmly in the traditional and clean camp.