Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WE 95] [JS 94] [WS 94] [VM 93] [JS 92]

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.

Vinifiaction:

Harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed, gently crushed and transferred into stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation occurred. Maceration on the skins took place over a period of approximately 12 days at a controlled temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to oak barrels of varying capacities, between 30 hl and 80 hl, where it aged in the barrel for two years. Pian delle Vigne was then bottled and aged for an additional lengthy period before being released.

Tasting Notes:

Ratings and Reviews:

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose opens with salted dark chocolate, Luxardo cherries, pomegranate syrup and espresso, then aromas of new leather and crushed rocks emerge. The palate is full of bitter chocolate and sweet and tart berries, and has a gleaming knife's edge of metallic tang. Refined tannins and lots of acid." - Danielle Callegari (October 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A complex red with floral, lemon-rind and candied-cherry character. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, as well as plenty of dried citrus rind. Some sandalwood and dried-flower undertones, too. Drink in three or four years." (September 2024)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This red features an alluring mix of strawberry and cherry fruit combined with tomato leaf, eucalyptus and cast iron. Builds nicely on the palate to the long, complex finish. Dry, dusty tannins linger, along with fruity and savory echoes. Best from 2027 through 2043." - Bruce Sanderson (June 2025)

93 Points - Vinous:
"Dried black cherries and crushed plums mix with cocoa, sage and dried orange peels as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass. This displays incredible vibrancy within. It’s juicy and spry, with ripe red and black fruits elevated by brilliant acidity as nuances of sour citrus add further tension toward the close. The 2020 leaves the palate stained in primary concentration and a coating of fine tannins, tapering off spicy and long yet still lively as hints of tart raspberry keep the mouth watering for more. Recent vintages from Pian delle Vigne have delightful new energy and verve." - Eric Guido (November 2023)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a saturated magenta/red color and is generous on the nose with notes of mixed berry compote, licorice candies, leather, and mocha. It fills the palate and has well-defined broad shoulders, with chalky tannins and a grounding mineral texture. A red consistent with what lovers of these wines can expect, it should have another 10 years ahead." - Audrey Frick (January 2025)