Description

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2018

93 pts – Wine Spectator

Starts out rich, with a touch of glycerol in the texture, before civilized tannins take over on the finish. Offers plum, cherry, earth, tobacco and iron notes that prevail, with a firm grip of tannins on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2043.

93 pts – Wine Enthusiast

The nose puts cherries front and center, intertwined with roses with heavier tar and graphite, before umami flavors of mushroom, balsamic vinegar, seaweed and soy slowly emerge. On the chalky palate, dark chocolate pushes up against the showboating cherries before a kick of spice sets up a long, energetic finish.

93 pts – James Suckling

Ripe berries and hints of red licorice and herbs on the nose, following through to a medium-bodied palate with fine, tightly packed tannins and a taut finish for now. Give it two years to unwind a bit. Try from 2025.

Situated in the province of Siena where the renown area of “Brunello di Montalcino” is found, Castiglion del Bosco encompasses approximately 4,450 acres of land, 125 of which are vineyards with plans to plant 15 more acres. The farm is located between the historic towns of Buonconvento and Montalcino. Given the truly magnificent geographical position of the estate, perched on a hill looking down onto the surrounding valleys, exposure is optimal resulting in wines of excellent quality. These are very exciting wines, new and classic at the same time.

Castiglion del Bosco was the first to produce and bottle Brunello di Montalcino in the sixties and today represents one of the most important properties of this region. Plans are currently underway to produce new wines and expand the existing cellar. This estate prides itself on the highest level of quality combined with respect for tradition. Claudio Basla, from Altesino, also consults at Castiglion del Bosco insuring the same levels of quality that we have always enjoyed from that estate.

The 2018 vintage

The 2018 vintage has been a challenge for both man and vines. The fresh and rainy Spring made the plants vegetation very intense. The management of the green required a lot of attention and work to allow the plant to reach the vegetative balance. These weather conditions continued during the first part of Summer, which was characterized by cool days and heavy rains.

The end of Summer was hot and dry and this allowed a good maturation, even if slightly earlier than the usual. In the first half of September, we began harvest in the Gauggiole area, on the northern side of the estate. Grapes showed excellent acidity and rather low sugar content, perfect for the more fresh and vibrant wines. Excellent varietal expressions and very ripe tannins will result in a very recognizable Brunello, with a clear and unique style.

Winemaker Notes