2020 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Definitely among the vintage’s anomalies, Il Marroneto’s 2020 is more overtly structured than its 2019 counterpart. While the latter verges on dainty and ethereal, the 2020 is steelier in resolve and almost austere by comparison. Proprietor Alessandro Mori also felt it needed longer in wood, so this saw a total of 45 months in Slavonian oak casks. Subtle and sweet to start, it flits with strawberry and cherry blossom before taking on earthier tones. Elegantly weighted but still tight, the palate is built around pure red cherry and raspberry, embedded with nutmeg and incense. Chalky and layered, the tannins sport an assertive bite. Give it a couple of years. (MM)

It’s so easy to review wines that you love, this Brunello producer is definitely one of the few producers close to my heart. Marroneto is a masterclass producer known for producing wine of extreme balance and elegance. A true terroir driven Brunello that rivals some of the biggest names out there. Alessandro Mori, the visionary behind Il Marroneto, has developed a Brunello that wanted to display the purest and classical expression of this grape; producing Brunellos which can be refined, age-worth, and deeply linked to their terroir. Situated at the northern slopes of Montalcino, here the north facing slope has the widest change in temperature and limestone soil known as crete. The wines made here are robust and packed with aroma, in the mouth they have noticeable minerality and acidity. We are lucky enough to say that 2020 continues along with 2019 to be some of the best Brunello ever made. You rarely see such nice vintages next to each other. This 2020 is a wine of grace and precision rather than sheer energy. The nose is airy and alluring, with aromas of crimson cherries, wild strawberries, and pomegranate, layered with rose petals, dried herbs, and suggestions of citrus zest. On the palate, it's medium-bodied yet structured, with amazingly silky tannins and mellow acidity that elevate the purity of fruit. Classic notes of tobacco, crushed stone, and a touch of spice add intensity. Il Marroneto is known for its minimal intervention method, in fact, they only use neutral Slavonian oak, it is usually aged for 39 months. This results in a wine this is each age-worthy and approachable in its youngsters, with a cellaring potential of 20+ years, if you can wait! I can’t, this wine is too good!