Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 94] [VM 93] [JD 93] [WS 93] [DM 91]

About the Winery:
The Pian Delle Vigne estate is located 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Its name comes from the eponymous area where a characteristic nineteenth century railway station is located. The property consists of 460 total acres (184 hectares), 160 of which (65 hectares) are planted to vines with generally a south-western exposure at an altitude of 430 feet (130 meters) above sea level. The estate's namesake wine, Pian delle Vigne, represents Marchesi Antinori's deeply personal interpretation of a prestigious and traditional wine such as Brunello di Montalcino. The Antinori family acquired the estate in 1995, the same year the first Brunello Pian delle Vigne was harvested.

About the Wine:
Pian delle Vigne has adopted the philosophy of aging in large casks that preserve the exceptional integrity of the Sangiovese berry and impart the characteristic vibrant elegance of Brunello to the wine. Brunello Pian delle Vigne is an extraordinary expression with great finesse.

Tasting Notes:
Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino is ruby red in color. Complex on the nose with balsamic hints of menthol and cloves that lead over to fruity aromas of cherries, plums, dates, and notes of cinnamon. A soft and balanced entry on the palate is silky smooth, characterized by soft tannins and sustained by exceptional freshness. Flavors linger on the finish with aromas of vanilla and light hints of violets, typical of Sangiovese.

100% Sangiovese

Ratings and Reviews:

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Sweet black cherries with some blackberries, as well as cherry blossom in both the nose and palate. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish, but it will soften and come together nicely with bottle age. Try after 2025." (Sep 2023)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a dark and brooding bouquet that mixes plum sauce with dark chocolate and espresso beans. This blends velvety textures with ripe red and black fruits all over a core of juicy acidity while maintaining a lifted and energetic feel. The 2019 finishes structured and long yet still relatively fresh. Orange-tinged blackberry and savory herbs linger. I am very impressed by the palate performance and tannin management of the 2019, yet I wish the winery would push for an equally fresh display on the nose. That said, fans of the Pian delle Vigne style will love the energy in this wine." - Eric Guido (Dec 2023)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is ripe and floral with aromas of sweet cherries, mocha, candied flowers, and mossy earth. Medium to full-bodied, it brings snappy fresh acidity along with ripe tannins, a clean finish, and a touch of smoky incense on the back palate. Its grip hangs on a bit, but it’s relatively approachable and will do well over the coming 10-12 years." (Feb 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Iron and sanguine aromas and flavors define this muscular red, while plum cherry, menthol and tar notes join in on the chewy and expansive finish. Balanced on the side of the tannins for now, with fine length. Best from 2027 through 2042. 15,830 cases made, 2,500 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2024)

91 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Produced since 1995, when Antinori purchased this sprawling property in Montalcino’s southwest, Pian delle Vigne expresses the balmy, Mediterranean side of Montalcino. Ebullient in its aromas of cinnamon, mint and pepper, the 2019 offers instant appeal. The palate is soft and supple in raspberry fruit with plush velvety tannins to match. These sneak up but are ultimately kept in check. Citrussy acidity buoys, and a finale of peppermint and nutmeg enchants. While I don’t see this making old bones, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next eight to 10 years." - Michaela Morris (Nov 2023)