Which Brunello 2019 should I drink when?

Brunello for drinking — Credit: shapencolour / Alamy Stock Photo

(Image credit: shapencolour / Alamy Stock Photo)

The strength of the 2019 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino is that it proposes wines to drink over a wide range of time.: many are immediately accessible, with earlier-drinking examples ready to enjoy over the next decade.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for all 15 Brunello wines

Other wines might benefit from further ageing and will ultimately give pleasure over the next 15 years.

Very few are completely untouchable now, but there are those that will definitely blossom slowly. These long-haul wines may be tucked away for 20 years.

Brunello 2019 for early drinking:

Podere Le Ripi, Cielo d’Ulisse

Montalcino’s gentle west-facing slope yields this ripe yet light on its feet and ready to drink biodynamic Brunello.

Corte Pavone

Immediate gratification here means a satisfying mouthful of radiant, perfumed fruit. To drink while waiting for Corte Pavone’s cru bottlings to come round.

Castello Romitorio

Exuberant aromas, succulent juiciness and a graceful physique make this a charmer now. Yet there is sneaky depth and intensity for at least a decade.

Pietroso

From a tiny but promising estate, this gracious Brunello would be even better with duck pappardelle if opened soon.

La Fiorita

With a warm, sunny disposition and lovely liveliness, La Fiorita offers plenty to chew on over the next 10 years.

Brunello 2019 for mid-term drinking

Il Marroneto

While the estate’s Madonna delle Grazie bottling needs time, Il Marroneto’s classic label already divulges the immensity of its pleasures.

Talenti

Another year or two in bottle should smooth out those grippy tannins and allow simmering potential to burst forth.

Mastrojanni, Vigna Schiena d’Asino

As hard as it is to resist now, this will reveal the full range of its complexities for years to come.

San Polino, Helichrysum

A fragrant yet measured expression of Montalcino’s southeast, Helichrysum’s layers and compact tannins will unfold leisurely.

Cortonesi, La Mannella

In Montalcino’s northern sector, La Mannella has been improving steadily over the years. 2019 highlights its elegant yet enduring frame.

Brunello 2019 for the long haul

Baricci, Montosoli

A stunning example from the hallowed hill of Montosoli. It may not be ready yet, but its innate nobility is unquestionable.

Le Ragnaie, Ragnaie VV

One of the vintage’s more backward wines, it stands out for its sinewy silhouette and rare level of gravitas.

Canalicchio di Sopra, Vigna Casaccia

The finest bottling of Vigna Casaccia thus far, 2019 counters its inherent sumptuousness with sophisticated structure and profound nuance.

Le Chiuse

Among the most complete wines of 2019, Le Chiuse boasts depth, drama and intensity with all the fabric for ageing.

Fuligni

One of Montalcino’s historic properties, Fuligni’s 2019 deserves a place in the cellar next to all its predecessors.

Brunello di Montalcino 2019: Michaela’s picks for early, mid-term and long-term drinking

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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.

Which Brunello 2019 should I drink when?

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for all 15 Brunello wines