Antinori, Pian Delle Vigne 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

Antinori's Pian Delle Vigne is unique single estate in Montalcino. The estate is located 3.5 miles south of Montalcino and takes its name from a historic 19th century railroad located on the property. The estate consists of approximately 165 acres of vines with a predominantly southeastern exposure and altitude up to 660 feet above sea level. The calcareous clay soil is rich in gravel which provides good drainage.

For this Brunello yields are kept extremely low with a green harvest in July. Only the healthiest grape bunches are nurtured to full ripeness. Handpicking is followed by de-stemming and a fifteen day temperature controlled fermentation. The wine is aged in traditional large oak casks allowing the Sangiovese full expression.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 94 points saying "Underbrush and baked plum aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather and camphor. It's medium in weight and well structured, delivering dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco set against taut, fine-grained tannins."

James Suckling scored this 94 points saying "Quite reductive and earthy, but opens to show tidy cranberries and glazed red cherries. Hints of citrus and spice. Full-bodied and rich, but there’s savory edge to the plush, juicy tannins, and lots of weight and density. Drink from 2024."

Vinous scored this 94 points saying "The nose shows an alluring display of hauntingly dark florals giving way to crushed black cherry, plums, and tobacco, with hints of spiced citrus and undergrowth adding further depths. On the palate, silky textures flood the senses with ripe red and black fruits, carried by vibrant acids, as sweet spices and minerals slowly saturate, and fine tannin begins to mount toward the finale. The finish is long and structured, resonating on zesty wild berry fruits, spice, and minerals; yet its tannic heft keeps it all in check. The 2015 Pian delle Vigne is one of the few wines of the vintage that requires some time in the cellar, and with this balance of primary fruits, acids, and structure, it should emerge as something to behold."