Argiano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 95] [WS 95] [WA 94] [JD 94] [VM 94] [DM 94]

Winemaker Notes:

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is distinguished by its elegance and its deep ruby red color. It presents a good concentration on the mid-palate and a persistent aftertaste, with a rounded and voluptuous body, and interesting, silky tannins. It unites potency and elegance and looks like having a promising future. With its tempting perfumes of red berries and its clean freshness, the complexity of this wine presents an excellent balance. To fully appreciate its qualities, decant the wine at least one hour before serving.

2018 Vintage was #1 Top 100 Wines of 2023

Vinification

Sangiovese grapes are usually harvested between the end of September and the middle of October, depending on the type of soil, the exposure of the vineyards and the climatic trend. The must is allowed to ferment in contact with the skins in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for two or three weeks. The fermentation time varies from one tank to another, depending on the vineyards where the grapes are grown. Upon completion of alcoholic fermentation, malo-lactic fermentation begins spontaneously. This is a natural process that transforms malic acid into lactic acid and conveys smoothness to the wine. This second fermentation can last from several weeks to several months, varying on the basis of a variety of factors, such as the temperature in the cellar. Not only does this process add smoothness to the wine, reduce its acidity and stabilise it naturally, it also conveys greater depth, complexity and elegance.

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, together with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and piquant with beautiful balance and finish. Plenty of fruit at the end. Give it more time to come around. Try after 2027." (Sep 2023)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2045." - Bruce Sanderson (Mar 2024)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry that fold into softly toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make brief but poignant appearances. Velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate give good staying power. This is a 120,000-bottle release." Drink 2025-2040. - Monica Larner (Dec 2023)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Taking a dark ruby hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers a warming bouquet of black raspberry, licorice candies, polished leather, and sappy forest herbs. Rounded and approachable, it’s medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannins and balanced acidity, ripe concentration throughout, and a long finish with a note of bergamot. This is a beautifully styled wine from the Argiano team, who continue to impress. Drink 2025-2040." (Feb 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Crushed ashen stones, cloves, dried black cherries, rosemary and balsam herbs create a spice box display as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is surprisingly fresh and energetic, nearly juicy in character, yet refined and focused, with silken textures ushering in crisp wild berry fruits and orange tones that slowly saturate the palate. It finishes spicy and long, yet its energy never wavers, with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as licorice and cranberry notes fade." Drink 2026-2038. - Eric Guido (Nov 2023)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"At an average altitude of 300 metres, Argiano stretches out over 120 hectares (58 of which are planted to vines) in the southwestern sector of Montalcino. Looking towards the Mediterranean, the vineyards are bathed in breezes from the sea. The 2019 is poignantly evocative of place exuding salt-tinged sweet herbs, rose and bergamot. Generously weighted with succulent strawberries and cherries, this fills the mouth without feeling heavy. Tangy tangerine instils freshness. Long chalky tannins caress with increasing firmness as it flows confidently across the palate. Rosemary and sage echo on the finish." Drink 2024-2035. - Michaela Morris (Nov 2023)