Vineyards:
Estate vineyards on the southern hills of Montalcino. The grapes are grown in stony, calcareous and well-structured soil at an altitude of 720 feet above sea level.
Winemaking:
A meticulous grape selection is followed by vinification with skin contact for 10-12 days. Released in the 5th year after harvest, the wine is aged for a minimum of 4 years, including 2 years in oak barrels of various sizes, mainly French oak barriques and partly in Slavonian oak casks.
Tasting Notes:
Color: Intense ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Ethereal, violet, vanilla with hints of licorice.
Taste: Full, soft, velvety, with traces of spice.
Food Pairing: Perfect with red meats, wild game and aged cheeses.
Additional Notes: 100% Sangiovese, select clones.
Ripe cherry and walnut with fresh herb undertones and spice. Full body, extremely fine tannins and a silky, textured finish. Very classic and balanced. Beautifully crafted. Drink or hold. - James Suckling 95 Points
Castello Banfi’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino denotes riper and softer fruit than most of its peers in this vintage. This historic estate is located in the southern quadrant of the appellation, where temperatures are a few degrees warmer on average. You don’t always taste that difference in ripeness, but for some reason, it comes forward with increased intensity in 2013. Therefore, I am officially recommending this wine to all those Brunello lovers who appreciate a little more volume and softness on those proverbial love handles. If you like ’em lean and mean, go elsewhere. But if you happen to be seated in front of a piping hot beefsteak that was just pulled off the grill, then you should definitely reach for this bottle. - Robert Parker 92 Points
