Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino 2019 (750ML)

98 KO / 95 WA / 94 JS / 94 WS / 93 VM

The 2019 straight Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is a beauty, starting with its heady scents of red berry, dog rose, spice and Mediterranean scrub. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the smooth palate delivers juicy red cherry, cracked peppercorn and licorice alongside tightly-woven, refined tannins. Juicy acidity keeps it balanced and fresh. Drink 2027–2039. Abv: 15% Kerin O’Keefe September 2023 --Kerin O'keefe

There's no mistaking this wine for anything but Brunello. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows beautiful continuity, crescendoing on the nose and palate in synchronicity. There are aromas of grilled watermelon, red cherry, garden herb and violet, and there is a charred note that recalls the toasted oak. The bouquet balances out beautifully, but you do get considerably more power on the palate thanks to the oomph of 15% alcohol and young tannins that get under your gums. Give this wine a few more years of bottle age. Production is 66,915 bottles in addition to 4,500 smaller formats.--Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Sour cherries with stone and bark undertones to the aromas. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, linear finish that ends tight. But this will soften with some age. Subtle bark and dried mushroom character at the end. Drink after 2025, but already pretty.-James Suckling

Dusky cherry and plum flavors are the main themes in this red, with accents of leather, spices and wild herbs. Lively and focused, with excellent harmony and a sequel of ripe cherry on the lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10,000 cases made, 2,080 cases imported.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a seductress with an unbelievably pretty bouquet of cloves and sweet rose petals giving way to black cherries and balsam herbs. This easily sweeps across the palate, seamlessly smooth yet energetic, with a tart core of wild berry fruits and minerals enhanced by tantalizing acidity. A subtle coating of fine tannins remains as the 2019 tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving a resonance of cedar and dark chocolate. This is a must-have vintage for fans of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona.-Eric Guido, Vinous Media