Salicutti - Brunello Di Montalcino 2019 (750ml)
Kerin O'Keefe: 97 Points
Made with grapes from the estate?s Sorgente Piaggione and Teatro vineyards the Salicutti 2019 Brunello is intensely fragrant with alluring aromas of perfumed berry iris menthol and dark spice. Full-bodied and elegantly structured the delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry black cherry cake spice and crushed mint. It?s also bright and beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity. What a beauty. Drink 2027?2039. Abv: 14% Kerin O?Keefe November 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
koWine Advocate: 95 Points
Showing a lifted note of cherry cough drop or vapor rub the Salicutti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino starts on a high note but then slides smoothly into aromas of purple fruit and wild blackcurrant. Those initial balsamic notes transition to leafy forest bramble and underbrush that give this wine a very pure almost botanical personality. Earthy and floral elements also appear with a hint of sweet lilac over a mid-weight mouthfeel with bright acidity and fine tannins. The wine flirts with ripeness but ultimately maintains a place of restrained elegance and near under-ripeness that bodes well for its future evolution. Fermentation in cement lasts up to 30 days and the wine sees 40 months in oak casks. I have not seen a straight village bottling from Salicutti in a number of years and this is a welcome addition. Although I have had my eye on this estate for a while Salicutti is one of the breakout stars of this report. Sabine and Felix Eichbauer are relative newcomers to this storied Tuscan appellation having acquired this estate in 2015 from the talented Francesco Leanza. The Munich-based couple completed a new winery and revisited the winemaking program making small tweaks yet maintaining the soulful character of the wines established under the previous ownership. This estate is a true gem and one that any Brunello lover should know and collect. This year we see the return of a village bottling that sources from across the various vineyard holdings in addition to the three crus: Sorgente Piaggione and Teatro. Salicutti is organic and was certified for biodynamics in 2022. Published: Dec 14 2023
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
This multifaceted red features raspberry cherry rose eucalyptus iron and spice aromas and flavors supported by lively acidity and firm yet refined tannins. The long aftertaste echoes fruit balsamic and spice elements. Best from 2027 through 2042. 630 cases made 520 cases imported.
