Le Chiuse 2015 Brunello di Montalcino

Le Chiuse was originally part of the Biondi-Santi Estate dating back to the late 18th century. Handed down over the years to the current owner, Simonetta Valiani who is the great granddaughter of Ferruccio Biondi-Santi. Simonetta decided to start producing wine under the Le Chiuse name in 1993 with the help of her husband, Nicolò Magnelli and their son, Lorenzo. Until then, the vineyards were rented to her uncle, Franco Biondi-Santi, which were at the time used for Biondi-Santi’s Riserva bottling.  


On this tiny 14 acre vineyard, budwood from 60-70 year old vines of the BS 11 Sangiovese clone, personally selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi, is grafted onto American rootstock. All of the fruit is harvested by hand, and carefully selected at the winery sorting table. Grapes are crushed and transferred to tank by gravity followed by a 18 days maceration with natural yeasts. The wine aged 3 years in large Allier and Slavonian oak barrels followed by 2 years in bottle. The previous vintage (2014) was Wine Enthusiast Top 100 selection. 2015 looks to be an even more outstanding vintage.


The Wine Advocate scored this 95 points saying "The Le Chuise 2015 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a slightly shy and timid bouquet. My feeling is that this reticent quality will serve the wine very well as it continues the course of its aging. The bouquet shows mild fruit with some potting soil, leather, tar and licorice. This Brunello from Le Chiuse is definitely characterized by a savory side as well with a pretty point of saltiness that you don't commonly find in its peers. This is a true beauty—the wine is elegant, shiny and glossy from the inside out. Fruit comes from an eight-hectare parcel with vines that are 26 years old."


Wine Spectator scored this 95 points saying "A beam of black cherry and black currant fruit is at the heart of this red. Supple and balanced, this stays long and complex on the finish, as earth, iron and sanguine notes emerge. A dense swath of tannins lines the finish. Best from 2022 through 2040."


Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 98 points saying "Aromas of woodland berry, new leather, blue flower and a baby powder shape the enticing nose on this fragrant red. Juicy and bright, the polished, delicious palate doles out crushed raspberry, cherry compote and baking spice alongside taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced while a licorice note graces the finish."