Dark fruit aromas stretch across the nose but don't entirely mask hints of vanilla, pencil shavings and a salty, peppery stoniness. On the palate, the vanilla escalates to initially further emphasize the dark fruits, before new undertones of bitter orange and meaty umami elements emerge. Acid zips around dense tannins.
Near Sant'Angelo in Colle, on the road that leads to Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Lisini is within the zone of Sesta. The estate preference is to pick quite late, and they are one of the last in the area to harvest. The relative ripeness and concentration is evident in 2018 but not at the expense of balance. In fact, Lisini’s Brunello is one of the vintage’s more exciting and profound wines. It opens slowly with hints of chestnut and smoke, then discloses dark cherry, iron and fragrant moist soil. Tannins are tightly stitched yet malleable, giving a satisfying mouthful. Finishes with a salty tang and mineral drive.
Rich and deep, with base notes of plum and loamy earth offsetting cherry, hibiscus and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, with muscular tannins and lively acidity lending support. The long aftertaste evokes earth and Mediterranean brush. Best from 2026 through 2045.
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of medium-soft volume and intensity with dark fruit, ripe cherry, black plum, spice and sweet potting soil. That theme of sweetness continues to the plush, lightly textured palate. The wine is ready to drink in the near or medium term; the tannins are round and ready, and it concludes with bright acidity. This is a release of 40,000 bottles.
Like a kid in a candy store, taking in the confectionary spices, medicinal cherry, blueberry compote and licorice aromas of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a total pleasure. While silky and elegant, this is also racy and with depths of character, as red and black berries are complicated by notes of cinnamon, clove and a bitter dusting of cocoa. The 2018 finishes potent and long, but only lightly structured, begging for some cellaring, but also placing all of its goods on display. Nearly a minute goes by, and nuances of violette pastille and hard red candies still echo throughout.
Hints of fig to the ripe and dried cherry and blueberry fruit, with baking spices and mint chocolate. It’s full-bodied, ripe and creamy, with present yet soft-feeling tannins. A little one-dimensional but flavorful and very drinkable. Drink or hold
