Tenuta Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 99] [FS 98] [JD 95] [WS 95] [VM 94] [DM 94] [WA 93]

About the Winery:
Located in the hills of southwest Montalcino, the original site was identified for its quality by the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi in the 1960s, and later launched as partnership between the Marchese and California wine legend Robert Mondavi. Luce was the first winery in Montalcino to produce a wine blended from Merlot and Sangiovese, resulting in a decadent, luxurious expression of the two varieties. The brand’s iconic name and packaging (Luce translates to “light” in Italian) was inspired by the altar at Santo Spirito in Florence – a landmark church built on land donated by the Frescobaldi family during the Renaissance. The Frescobaldis took over full responsibility for the estate in 2004. The estate today consists of 615 acres of land, 217 of which are planted to vine – Sangiovese is planted in the higher elevation parcels (up to 1500 feet), which are rich in sandstone and limestone, while the lower altitude clay plots are better suited to Merlot. The Merlot is typically harvested mid-September, the Sangiovese three to four weeks later. The two varieties are blended together after fermentation and aged in 100% new French oak barrels.

About this Wine: 
Luce Brunello is the winery’s tribute to Montalcino and the wine that emerged there in the second half of the 19th century to become one of Italy's crowning jewels in wine production. It is produced in a very small quantity to showcase the unique character of a pure Sangiovese from the Luce estate vineyards and pay tribute to the winemaking tradition of Montalcino.

The 2021 season began with a harsh winter and little rain, except for a light snowfall in early February. The beginning of spring saw a gradual increase in temperatures, which reached slightly above average values for the period in March, favoring the budding of Sangiovese in the middle of the month. On April 8, there was a considerable drop in temperatures, leading to widespread frosts throughout Tuscany. Fortunately, this did not cause any damage to the Madonnino vineyard, as it is located at an altitude of 400 m, but it did slow down vegetative growth. From June onwards, temperatures rose in conjunction with flowering, which began between the first and second weeks of the month. The summer months were hot and dry, and the vines developed slowly and gradually. During this period, in order to limit water loss through evaporation from the soil, we encouraged the creation of a protective layer in the rows by using green manure as natural mulch. Finally, September was splendid, with sunny days but milder temperatures during the day and cool nights, which favored optimal polyphenolic ripening, crisp tannins, and exceptional aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes:
The color is bright ruby red. The nose is struck by juicy red plum fruit, supported by pleasant notes of fresh red berries intertwined with elegant tobacco. The palate is full, velvety, and extremely elegant, with a beautiful freshness that caresses the palate and accompanies it with notes of citrus and spices.

Ratings & Reviews

99 Points - James Suckling:
"Sweet berry, orange peel, nutmeg and cinnamon aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine, precise tannins and a very long finish that caresses every inch of your palate. Extremely long and structured but refined and sophisticated. Best after 2027." (Dec 2025)

98 Points - Falstaff:
Rich ruby with fresh radiance. Powerful and memorable nose, first hints of beef tartare, then lots of dark cherry, plus some roses and tobacco spice. Spreads out emphatically on the palate, lots of present berry fruit, pithy, dense tannins, still slightly drying on the finish, but should be perfectly integrated in a few years.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"From a single high-elevation site at roughly 400 meters on galestro, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Luce pours a bright ruby hue and offers pure notes of kirsch, blood orange, pressed flowers, and ripe raspberries. The palate is medium to full-bodied and beautifully polished, with refined tannins, refreshing acidity, and a light-on-its-feet feel that carries through the long finish. Raised in large casks rather than French oak barrels, it has terrific purity and should drink beautifully for 15 years or more. Drink 2026-2046." - Audrey Frick (Feb 2026)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Well-defined aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry and blackberry highlight this smooth, graceful red. Mineral and wild scrub notes emerge as this gathers steam midpalate. Ends with plenty of energy and freshness. The aftertaste echoes the fruit and savory elements, with just a hint of oak. Best from 2029 through 2047. 275 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2026)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Luce entices with a cascade of dried rose petals, mint, sweet smoke and crushed plums. It is a total pleasure on the palate, with soothingly round textures and cooling acidity propelling its lavender-laced wild berry fruits across the senses. The 2021 finishes with excellent length and concentration, balanced and structured, leaving nuances of blackberry and dark chocolate. (Drink between 2029-2040)" - Eric Guido (Nov 2025)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Over the last decade, Tenuta Luce has made small adjustments all in the name of preserving freshness. An optical sorter removes any dried grapes, the Brunello now ages in large cask rather than barriques, and it is further refined in cement before bottling. The efforts are noticeable in the youthful 2021. Appealing and pure, it teases with violet, vanilla and sandalwood fragrances. Padded with pulpy blackcurrant and fleshy dark cherry, this is almost fruity in character. A sweet spiciness flits throughout, while soft, copious tannins grip graciously, and lively acidity lends agility to a fuller figure. Culminates with a mineral bite." - Michaela Morris (Nov 22025)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"A design icon for the bottle alone, the Tenuta Luce 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Luce follows through with the freshness and power typical of this vintage. Sangiovese spreads across the palate with medium- to full-bodied weight, framed by open-knit tannins and ripe fruit flavors that lend the wine a more accessible personality. Fermented in cement and aged for 24 months in Slavonian oak, this Brunello reflects Tenuta Luce’s intention to balance modern polish and structure." - Monica Larner (Jan 2026)