Cypress trees against evening sky in Montalcino
Credit: Consorzio del vino Brunello di Montalcino
(Image credit: Consorzio del vino Brunello di Montalcino)

One of 2018’s signatures is its approachability. As such, there is plenty of choice for drinking in 2023. In some cases, these represent delightful wines without sufficient structure for ageing and will be best in the near-term to enjoy their radiant freshness.

Other wines have a longer drinking window but are already expressive and showing well. While they may offer more to come, they have that ‘irresistible now’ quality. Cracking them upon release would not be ‘infanticide’ – in fact, this is a satisfying opportunity to try a few bottles to determine if you want to tuck some away. Included in this category is Fuligni, one of my top-rated wines of 2018.


See our score table for all of Michaela’s Brunelo di Montalcino 2018 tasting notes, plus 2017 Riserva & late-release wines

Read Michaela’s Brunello di Montalcino 2018 report


Brunello 2018 to enjoy in 2023

Castello Romitorio 2018 I was just so captivated by the palpable elegance and prettiness of this embodiment of the vintage.

Ciacci Piccolomini, Pianrosso 2018 Not for the long-haul, Pianrosso lays bare all its complex textures and nuances to enjoy now.

Fattoi 2018 A charming and characterful interpretation of the Tavernelle zone with a satisfying chew of yielding tannins.

Fuligni 2018 In top vintages, Fuligni’s wines demand time, however the 2018 is already strikingly demonstrative without sacrificing nobility or longevity.

La Fortuna 2018 One of the vintage’s lovely surprises, La Fortuna’s 2018 reveals why this is a producer to pay attention to.

Pietroso 2018 One of my ‘under-the-radar’ picks last year, Pietroso has followed up with another success.

Poggio Antico 2018 Under new ownership as of 2017, this high-altitude estate is on the rise with a candid 2018 hinting at what is to come.

San Guglielmo 2018 It is worth checking out this new, up-and-coming estate in its nascent years.

Sesti 2018 There’s something to be said for immediate gratification when a wine is this effusively delicious from the get-go.

Val di Suga 2018 For those who appreciate a lightness of touch, catch this slender beauty while it possesses all its youthful charms.


Tasting notes and scores for 10 approachable Brunello di Montalcino 2018 wines


Fuligni, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Under the leadership of Maria Flora Fuligni since 1971, along with her long-time right-hand Dr Daniela Perino - now the estate’s CEO - Fuligni is...

2018

TuscanyItaly

FuligniBrunello di Montalcino

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Sesti, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

In the far southern reaches of Montalcino, the Sesti estate expands over 100 hectares - although a mere 4.5 hectares is registered for Brunello. The...

2018

TuscanyItaly

SestiBrunello di Montalcino

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Pietroso, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Owner Gianni Pignattai farms 3.7 hectares of Brunello vineyards distributed among three separate plots, which he blends together. Following an admirable effort in the challenging...

2018

TuscanyItaly

PietrosoBrunello di Montalcino

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La Fortuna, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Northeast of the town of Montalcino, La Fortuna neighbours the Fuligni estate. The Zannoni family also owns vineyards in the southern sector around the town...

2018

TuscanyItaly

La FortunaBrunello di Montalcino

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Castello Romitorio, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Assembled from the estate’s highest altitude plots - between 350 and 450 metres - Castello Romitorio’s classic Brunello embodies the grace of the vintage without...

2018

TuscanyItaly

Castello RomitorioBrunello di Montalcino

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Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite...

2018

TuscanyItaly

Ciacci Piccolomini d'AragonaBrunello di Montalcino

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Fattoi, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

With seven hectares designated for Brunello, Fattoi’s vineyards sit at an average of 330 metres above sea level. The warm, southwest exposure helped coax out...

2018

TuscanyItaly

FattoiBrunello di Montalcino

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Poggio Antico, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

Sold in 2017 to a Belgian investment group, Poggio Antico is on the western flank of Montalcino boasting vineyards upwards of 500 metres. Aromas of...

2018

TuscanyItaly

Poggio AnticoBrunello di Montalcino

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San Guglielmo, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

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Locked score

A winery to watch, San Guglielmo is located to the west of Montalcino, tucked in beside Castello Romitorio and Corte Pavone. Surrounded by forest, the...

2018

TuscanyItaly

San GuglielmoBrunello di Montalcino

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Val di Suga, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

My wines
Locked score

For the 2018 vintage, Val di Suga has come out with a rebranding of its labels to reflect the updated approach in the vineyard and...

2018

TuscanyItaly

Val di SugaBrunello di Montalcino

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Michaela Morris
Italian Expert, Decanter Premium, Decanter Magazine and DWWA Judge 2019
Michaela Morris is an international wine writer and educator. Based in Vancouver, she teaches about Italian wine across Canada and abroad. Michaela is a regular contributor to Decanter Magazine and Meininger’s Wine Business International as well as Canadian publications Taste and Quench. She is a panel chair for Vinitaly’s 5StarWines competition and was international guest judge at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show in 2019.