2018 Brunello di Montalcino

The Le Potazzine Brunello is an unqualified success of the 2020 vintage. This estate excels in warm growing seasons, and 2020 played right into their hand. Gigliola Gorelli and her two daughters, Sofia and Viola, crafted a cool-toned, classically structured wine with fantastic depth and balance. Gigliola Gorelli explained, “The vineyard was our garden in 2020. We were locked down here together and spent an enormous amount of time manicuring the vines.” Le Potazzine benefits from a higher elevation, situated at around 510 meters in the northwest of Montalcino. However, they also have a small parcel of vines near Sant’Angelo in Colle in the south, which can help balance the blend depending on the vintage. The family recently purchased a new vineyard, planted in 2020. These vines are at an even higher elevation—possibly the highest planted in Montalcino—above the Il Palazzone estate. Gorelli hasn’t yet decided on the ultimate destination for this fruit, but in my opinion, any way to have more Le Potazzine to go around is a positive thing for collectors and lovers of this estate. Readers should also be on the lookout for the 2019 Riserva in 2025. The most recent Le Pottazine Riserva was the 2015, and before that, 2011, 2007, 2006 and 2004. Le Potazzine carefully considers the best years to make a Riserva, and they produce it in a completely traditional style, with extended natural fermentations and ample time in large oak barrels. I love the way the Riserva maintains energy and verve despite its long barrel aging. Unfortunately, it’s only produced in tiny quantities.

The 2019 vintage is one of the greatest that Montalcino has witnessed in the last decade, and that is more evident in the higher elevations of the north. The house of Le Potazzine is a prime example. The majority of their vineyards are located in the northwest at 510 meters and are balanced by vines cultivated around Sant’Angelo in Colle in the south. In 2019, Le Potazzine produced a wine of pure elegance, finesse and power. This is one of the most complete, young Brunellos I’ve yet tasted from Gigliola Gorelli and her two daughters, Sofia and Viola. Sofia Gorelli described 2019 as “a vintage of elegance with a typical cooler vintage drinkability but has the texture of great years.” She lends their success to their higher elevations. Le Potazzine seldom produces a Riserva, which is made from a selection in the vineyard. However, there will be one in 2019 and another in 2021. The 2021 Rosso, a barrel selection, always comes across as a baby Brunello. The 2021 is showing beautifully but is still quite young and will easily reward up to a decade in the cellar.