Wine Spectator 2015 Brunello Hits
You're going to see tons of great press and big scores for 2015 Brunello di Montalcino, like in today's Wine Spectator Insider. But you'll also see a lot of prices north of $60. Not today, with two of our Brunello mainstays, La Gerla and La Fortuna, both with hot-off-the-presses 94s from Spectator and at least as much from other critics, and both under $50. Coincidentally, we had a bottle of each this week and they are surprisingly showy already. As for favorites, it's too close to call...so you should try both!
$49.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($54.95 regular)
94 points Wine Spectator: "Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042."
94 points Vinous: "Gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It's so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth."
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$49.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($54.95 regular)
94 points Wine Spectator: "This is round and full of sweet, ripe cherry, strawberry, graphite and earth flavors. Firms up as the finish plays out, echoing an essence of fruit. Best from 2022 through 2039."
95 points James Suckling: "The sliced plums and peaches are plentiful here on the nose. Full-bodied and dense with round and rich tannins and a long, long finish. Shows structure and intensity. Serious Brunello. Better after 2022."