2019 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino

Earthy tannins, fresh acidities, leather sandalwood and campfire, evident structure, a little rustic. Give it plenty of oxygen and time to open, tight on the finish right now, allow the bitter orange peel, pomegranate and black tea fragrance to curl out of the glass. Will benefit from a few more years in bottle. Largest estate in Brunello, owned by Marchesi Frescobaldi.

The Frescobaldi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo has oaky notes, dried spice, redwood and cured tobacco. At its core, the wine shows dark fruit and a thick level of extraction. The tannins are soft and resolved, setting this Brunello up for an immediate drinking window. The wine is exactly where you want it to be, especially if served across from a steak and baked potato. This is a big release of 450,000 bottles.

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino pulls the taster close to take in its understated bouquet of dried roses, cedar shavings and incense. It’s soft and supple with depths of tart wild berry fruit guided by brisk acidity as hints of orange form along with a coating of fine tannins toward the close. This finishes classically dry and with admirable length, as grippy tannins pinch at the cheeks and a licorice tinge slowly fades. I’m happy to say I’m finding more energy and liveliness in the 2019 versus past vintages.