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SKU 921928
$34.94/bottle
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Rated 94 – Wild berry, forest floor and dark spice aromas mingle with eucalyptus. Aged in predominately in large casks of French and Austrian oak, the savory, elegant palate offers juicy red cherry, cranberry, star anise and white pepper alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. An incredible showing for what is the firm’s entry level Brunello, this just gets better and better every vintage. Drink 2023–2033. – Kerin O’Keefe
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.
Winery Notes
Rated 94 - Wild berry, forest floor and dark spice aromas mingle with eucalyptus. Aged in predominately in large casks of French and Austrian oak, the savory, elegant palate offers juicy red cherry, cranberry, star anise and white pepper alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. An incredible showing for what is the firm’s entry level Brunello, this just gets better and better every vintage. Drink 2023–2033. - Kerin O’Keefe
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
Castello Banfi brings us this classic expression of the vintage. Their 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is hearty and dark with a level of distinguished power (with 15% alcohol) and sophistication that you only get with Brunello, a wine that by law ages for five years before its commercial release. Dark plum and blackcurrant segue seamlessly to spice, tar and black earth. The fruit ripeness is opulent and contrasted against elegant acidity and polished tannins. You don't need to wait long to enjoy this ambitious 478,300-bottle production.
WS93pts
Wine Spectator
Round, fleshy and succulent, exuding black cherry, blackberry, violet and rosemary flavors. This has a glycerol feel, fine balance and harmony, with a long, fruity, savory and minerally aftertaste. Combines power and energy. Best from 2025 through 2043.
JS93pts
James Suckling
This has a pretty nose of dried roses, cocoa powder, red tea, hazelnut skins, cherries, plum stones and sandalwood. Full-bodied with very finely-knit tannins and zippy acidity. So much life and energy. Drink from 2023.
WE93pts
Wine Enthusiast
The nose leans sweet, with notes of vanilla, cherry and cola, but undertones of citrus, cloves, fennel, salt and pepper playfully poke holes in that sweetness. On the palate, raspberries provide reinforcements, but polished tannins and aggressive acidity maintain balance.
VM90pts
Vinous Media
There's a mentholated freshness to the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi, as swirling unlocks further depths of dried cherries, mint leaf and worn leather. This is soft and round on the palate, with ripe red fruits and pretty floral tones offset by a twang of sour citrus. The 2018 tapers off lightly structured yet fresh, as inner rose and hints of salted licorice fade.
JD90pts
Jeb Dunnuck
Taking on more wood influence, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is fragrant with cedar, vanillin spice, red plum, and clove. It is medium to full body, with tannins that turn to the more amaro spectrum quickly, with notes of turned potting soil and dried cherry pit. The palate is savory and gripping with potential wood tannins that give the impression they will outlast the fruit. Drink 2025-2030.
375ml
