Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

Description

Brunello Riserva are produced from the best grapes and wines in only the best years. They must age for two years in barrel, and can’t be released until they are six years old. 2015 was a hot year, but there was no real drought, and Il Palazzone’s northern vineyards have given the wine an extra dimension of freshness. It is wonderfully elegant and refined, a classical wine of great intensity yet no fat- it is almost sinewy in its tautness and definition, but with an inner core of deep red fruit which suggests many more years of happy development.

“The first Riserva released since 2010, Il Palazzone’s 2015 is ethereal and subtle in fragrances with pretty blossoms, herbs and wafts of tea. Midweight, it exhibits Sangiovese’s delightful ability to remain buoyant. Orange and pomegranate grace the palate, which is sprinkled with powdery tannins, while a crunchy, mouth-cleansing cranberry note brings this to a close. It isn’t necessarily the most profound Riserva but it’s very easy to like and sports a refreshingly balanced 13.5% alcohol. It begs for pappardelle with duck ragù. 92/100pts. Drink 2022-2032.
Michaela Morris, Decanter March 2021

“The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva slowly opens up in the glass, as a dusting of cedar and white smoke evolves to show notes of floral-laced woodland berries and hints of cinnamon and clove. It’s silky and textural, cast across a medium-bodied frame with brisk acids maintaining lift, while a perfumed display of wild strawberry and plum gives way to inner violet inflections. The balance here is really quite nice, tapering off with a twang of minerals, savory herbs and a subtle coating of rounded tannins. The 2015 Riserva won’t require too much time to come fully into focus but I expect a few years of cellaring will bring forward further depths. Only 2,100 bottles were produced. 91/100pts.”
Eric Guido www.vinous.com November 2020