2019 Giodo Brunello Montalcino

Decanter: 98 points
With four neighbouring parcels totaling just five hectares, Carlo Ferrini says the modest size of his estate enables him to pick at precisely the moment he wants. Harvested mid-September, the 2019 vintage represents Giodo’s 11th release – and the finest so far. It seduces with stunning aromas of gardenia, allspice flower and arbutus berries, all laced with fennel and subtle wood smoke. That immediate charisma is reinforced on the palate, where inner-mouth perfumes persist –it’s like biting into the freshest persimmon. Crunchy yet lush with profound substance, the finely powdered, gracefully assertive tannins give shape, while blood orange pierces the lengthy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck: 98 points
Tasted for a second time at the estate, and pouring a dark ruby/red color, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is complex and stunning on opening with continuously unfolding aromas of black raspberries, polished leather, sandalwood, blood orange, and rosemary. Raised in French oak barrels of various size, the palate is equally compelling with outstanding structure and is sustained on the palate for ages, with lush tannins and perfectly ripe acidity. While it is appealing and showing off now, it has tension for days and is exceptional, with a lot of purity, although it never lacks for richness. This is a truly remarkable wine amid a slew of successes in this phenomenal vintage. Drink 2025-2050

Wine Advocate: 98 points
When I tasted this wine with its maker, the celebrated enologist Carlo Ferrini, he told me that he put every last drop of love into the 2019 vintage. He believes it is the best wine he has made thus far at his relatively new Giodo project that started in 2009. Indeed, I would rank the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino as high as or even better than the best vintages made at this boutique estate. In my mind, they are 2010, 2016 and now 2019. This wine comes from a three-hectare plot with 19-year-old vines that are cared for obsessively. This amphitheater-shaped parcel called La Poderina is nestled deep within the forest on a steep slope that overlooks Monte Amiata in the distance. The soils are white in color with lots of rocks. This is a wine of depth and dimension, with vibrant energy, elegant balsamic notes and sweetly ripened fruit. The medium fruit weight is balanced against the wine's acidity and fine tannins. It ends with floral notes of violet and iris.

Wine Spectator: 95 points
An effusive red, with vivid cherry and raspberry fruit that's pure and tangy, courtesy of the vibrant acidity, while mineral and herb accents add depth as this builds on the finish. This is structured too, with well-integrated tannins that sneak up on the firm, long-lasting aftertaste.

Vinous: 94 points
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is hauntingly dark, with a cascade of dried violets, black cherries and cedar shavings complicated by hints of ash. It's velvety in feel yet cool-toned and spry, with radiant red berry fruits that ride a stream of vibrant acidity. While structured, its tannins are beautifully contoured, soft and round. The 2019 leaves a pleasantly bitter tinge of tart cranberry that tugs at the cheeks. This is a gorgeous performance and a new benchmark for Giodo.