Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019

The Wine

Biondi-Santi is regarded as the most historic estate in Montalcino. Set among the hills of southern Tuscany, it produced the first officially recognized Brunello di Montalcino in 1888 and pioneered the use of Sangiovese Grosso, specifically its renowned BBS11 clone. Its wines prioritize purity, balance and longevity over power or richness, and the Brunello is regarded as a benchmark for the appellation and one of the world’s great age-worthy wines. The 2019 Riserva comes from a widely acclaimed five-star vintage and was matured for 28 months in large Slavonian oak casks followed by extensive bottle aging; it has only recently been released. A finely sculpted nose of cherry and pomegranate, dried flowers and wild herbs is lifted by subtle balsamic notes and spice, while vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins enliven a taut, incisive palate. James Suckling awards 98 points (“Racy and driven … the legend lives”) and Decanter 99 points. Visiting Biondi-Santi is a true pilgrimage for any wine enthusiast. I have had the privilege of visiting the estate and tasting vintages dating back to the 1950s — an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s legendary wine estates. The current Liv-ex market value sits well above the price we are able to offer here.