We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.
Items not labeled as Rapid Ship or Pre-arrival may require a transfer from the warehouse to our shipping facility before shipping, which can take 4–6 business days. Learn more on the Shipping Info page.
In-store Only Items
These items are available at our location to purchase in-store, or to choose in-store pickup at checkout.
Long-term Pre-arrival Items
Long Term Pre-arrival Definition: Ordering wine directly through us from our supplier partners in Europe in advance of the item’s physical arrival in the US.
Long Term Pre-arrival sales ensure you’re getting the best possible price and that you have also secured the product before it hits the normal retail supply chain. The lead time for Pre-arrival goods is generally 4–8 months, sometimes longer based on supply chain and the logistics of transporting goods overseas. The expectation, from our team, is to communicate to the customer the location of their purchase every step of the way.
This product is offered as a full case purchase option, minimum order quantities may be applicable. When available, multiple case options will be presented. If you are purchasing a Pre-Arrival item you must order a solid case.
Rapid Ship
Items listed as "rapid ship" are in stock and available for immediate pickup or shipment. Those that do not have the "rapid ship" icon are housed with our supplier and must be transferred to our warehouse before they can be picked up or shipped. This requires 4-6 business days but usually occurs sooner. Some products will list both options of availability as there will be a certain number in stock, with the option to order additional bottles to be transferred from the supplier.
We offer FREE ground shipping and discounted upgraded shipping on orders with multiples of 12 qualifying bottles. Solid cases or mix-and-match, look for the yellow 12 FREE badge and save!
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 992554
$48.00Original price was: $48.00.$42.00Current price is: $42.00./bottle
12 in stock
Availability: There are 12 bottles available for Rapid Shipment or in-store pick up at our location in Ballston Lake, N.Y.
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly rich, with a mix of cherry and plum sauce, cloves, spiced citrus peels and hints of crushed stone. This is deeply textural, silken and supple, with depths of ripe red berry fruit and spices that swirl giving way to a hint of tobacco toward the close. The 2020 finishes long and structured, with a web of fine-grained tannins as violet inner florals linger on.
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.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly rich, with a mix of cherry and plum sauce, cloves, spiced citrus peels and hints of crushed stone. This is deeply textural, silken and supple, with depths of ripe red berry fruit and spices that swirl giving way to a hint of tobacco toward the close. The 2020 finishes long and structured, with a web of fine-grained tannins as violet inner florals linger on.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Though shy in aroma, this red reveals freshness on the palate, offering cherry, blackberry and violet flavors, with a touch of black pepper. Tense, lively and balanced, this should benefit from another year or two in bottle. Best from 2027 through 2043. 2,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
JS92pts
James Suckling
Complex wine with undertones of forest floor and spice to the macerated violets and raspberries that dominate on the nose, enhanced by smoky woodland and licorice. Both delicate and refined on the medium-bodied palate, with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and a chalky, biting finish. Lacks a bit of flavor definition on the palate. Best from 2026.
DC92pts
Decanter
Owner and winemaker Andrea Mantengoli favours spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel followed by ageing in large French oak casks. He makes clean, characterful wines and the 2020 boasts huge appeal. It offers violets, smoke-infused blackberry and pulverised stone aromas, while taking a sip reveals a youthfully vigorous mouthful of brambly berries. It is full and well extracted, though the tannins remain suave and harmonious. It could do with a bit more mid-palate concentration, however I thoroughly appreciate the backbone and personality, trailing off as it does with a trace of rosemary.
Winery Notes
• Certified Organic since 2013.
• 100% Sangiovese from the La Serena estate harvested during the first two weeks of October.
• 400 meters elevation.
• Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel before moving into cask.
• Aged for three years in a combination of 20, 30, 40 and 70 hectoliter French oak casks, plus four months in bottle.
Rapid Ship
