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Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2018 750ml
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SKU 978582
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The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva entices with an exotic burst of sour cherry and confectionary spice complicated by zests of tangerine and violet florals. This sweeps across the palate, lifted and refined, with a pretty inner sweetness and zesty acidity to balance as tart wild berry fruits cascade throughout. It finishes potent and long, leaving grippy tannins and an unexpected freshness. This is a beautiful effort from the 2018 vintage, and while I don’t believe it has the bones for long-term maturation, it will provide much pleasure through a broad and open drinking window.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Brunello Di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino, an esteemed wine appellation in Tuscany, Italy, has been crafting exceptional red wines since its establishment in 1966. Focused exclusively on the Sangiovese grape, specifically the local Brunello clone, this region's unique terroir of warm, dry climate and well-drained soils imparts richness and complexity to the wines. The hallmark of Brunello is its extended aging, requiring a minimum of four years, with at least two spent in oak barrels. This meticulous process results in bold, full-bodied wines with robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable aging potential. Flavors of ripe red berries and dark cherries, coupled with notes of leather, tobacco, and spices, define the nuanced profile of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Exploring these wines offers enthusiasts a captivating journey into the world of Italian winemaking, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.
VM94pts
Vinous Media
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva entices with an exotic burst of sour cherry and confectionary spice complicated by zests of tangerine and violet florals. This sweeps across the palate, lifted and refined, with a pretty inner sweetness and zesty acidity to balance as tart wild berry fruits cascade throughout. It finishes potent and long, leaving grippy tannins and an unexpected freshness. This is a beautiful effort from the 2018 vintage, and while I don't believe it has the bones for long-term maturation, it will provide much pleasure through a broad and open drinking window.
WE94pts
Wine Enthusiast
The nose leads with a cherry-vanilla sweetness, then dives into earthy aromas of soil and roots, but developing undertones of cola and mint preserve that lightly medicinal feel. The palate brings strawberries, along with more cherries and mint, before a finish that's both hot and saline, like a Himalayan salt sauna. Tannins and acid stand in balanced tension.
JD94pts
Jeb Dunnuck
A rich brickish red color, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva offers smoky notes of incense, toasted cedar, dried currants, and dried Mediterranean herbs. It presents balanced fresh energy on the palate and has a medium-bodied frame with good concentration throughout, fantastic ripe mouthwatering acidity, and grippy tannins. I rather enjoyed this one, which has a classic feel with good balance. Drink 2024-2034.
WA92pts
Wine Advocate
The organic Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has dried fruit and lots of oak. This is a combination found frequently across this less fortunate vintage. The bouquet reveals pressed currant, fresh split firewood, sauna cedar and dried blackberry. It appears very ripe on the palate with baked plum and stewed prune (reinforced by a 15% alcohol content). The tannins are astringent; however, I would still opt for a medium-term drinking window for this 9,740-bottle release.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Juniper, tomato leaf, hibiscus and cherry aromas and flavors highlight this elegant red, with a stream of dusty tannins underlying it all. Shows fine length, with a lasting impression of pure cherry. Best from 2026 through 2039. 125 cases imported.
JS92pts
James Suckling
Intense and rich cherry fruit with cola, graphite and licorice notes. The tannins are quite rustic and biting, balanced by crisp acidity and a full body. Quite a bit over-extracted. Try from 2028.
Winery Notes
Bright and intense ruby-red color. Complex and intense nose with hints of ripe red jammy fruit, spice, vanilla, black pepper and tobacco. It has an intense yet balanced palate with great structure and a nice richness in polyphenols. A powerful "big" wine.
