Col D'Orcia 2015 Brunello Di Montalcino

Col D'Orcia is a traditional producer of Brunello di Montalcino located in the south western corner of the appellation. Respecting the essence of Sangiovese from Montalcino is their guiding principal and in 2010 they made a submission to receive organic farming certification in order to become the largest organic wine producing estate in the whole of Tuscany. Since August 27, 2010 the whole estate including vineyards, olive groves, other fields and even the gardens are farmed following exclusively organic agricultural practices.

This 2015 is produced entirely from estate grapes farmed organically. The wine is aged for a full 3 years in the oak barrels using a combination of small, medium and large size casks. Aging in Slavonian oak casks smooths the wine while retaining the full, bright core of fruit.

The Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "This combines the best characteristics of Sangiovese, with cherry and strawberry fruit, earth, leather and iron notes and balsamic elements of wild thyme, rosemary and Mediterranean scrub. Shows a bit of heat on the finish, yet remains fresh and long. Best from 2023 through 2042."

James Suckling scored this 94 points saying "A full, very layered young Brunello with cherry, floral and light toffee and cedar character. It’s very layered and fine-tannined. Lively acidity and focus. Really attractive dried citrus at the end. From organically grown grapes. Give this two or three years to soften. Try after 2022 and onwards."

The Wine Advocate scored this 93 points saying "The Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino (made with organic fruit) has a very distinctive aromatic profile with subtle hints of rusty iron and moist potting soil. However, this wine also shows an impressive evolution in the glass with those earthy and sanguine notes lifting to reveal sweet oak tones of vanilla and baking spice that remain pronounced in a second underlayer. To me, Col d'Orcia's wines are almost always characterized by a medicinal or balsamic element, and the primary fruit is downplayed as a result. This vintage puts on a good show with wild berry, blackcurrant and dried blackberry. That said, this wine is more ethereal and spicy than it is fruity per se."