Castello Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its status, quality and consistency. Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most celebrated and in the outstanding 2015 vintage they've produced an exceptional wine. Yields were kept low and after meticulous grape selection vinification is in temperature-controlled hybrid stainless steel & wood tanks, with skin contact for 10-12 days. The wine ages for 2 years in various sizes oak barrels. The wine is subsequently aged in bottle for an additional 8-12 months before release.

James Suckling scored this 94 points saying "So many spices line the nose here including cinnamon, cardamom, aniseed and walnuts. But there’s no shortage of red plums and dried cherries either. Balanced and suave, this is a sophisticated Brunello with a sleek frame of tannins and subtle yet persistent acidity. Drink from 2021."

The Wine Advocate scored this 93 points saying "The Castello Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is fragrant and bright. Aromas of wild cherry, blackberry and plum emerge from the glass with spice, tar and licorice following close in tow. The unified front created by those aromas adds to the overall intensity and purity of the wine. The wine is silky and glossy with a mid-weight style that wraps closely over the palate. This Brunello is fermented in both steel and oak. About 80% of the total volume ages in 60- or 90-hectoliter botte made with French oak, and 20% is aged in new barrique. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and hit the market in January 2020. Some 580,000 bottles were made. You can drink this accessible wine straight out of the gate or wait to age it longer."

The Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "Intense, with tension between the bright strawberry and cherry fruit flavors and the compact feel of the tannic structure. Wild herb, almond and earth accents add detail. There is a lot going on in this red, stretched tightly. Long finish. Best from 2024 through 2042."