2020 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2020 Brunello from Poggio di Sotto is a class act, showing a level of lift and finesse seldom seen from these southern Montalcino vintages. Luca Marrone, head winemaker of the ColleMasari Estates (which oversees Poggio di Sotto), explained, “Two thousand twenty was not as warm of a vintage in the southeast as it was in the rest of the region. We had a cooler southern harvest period and a bit more rain. In August alone, we had 96 millimeters. Harvest began on September 20 and ended around October 20.” At this early stage, the 2020 Brunello requires a good amount of decanting to show its magic, especially aromatically, but it has a beautiful balance that will reward cellaring. I also tasted the 2018 and 2019 Riservas. While collectors will likely gravitate to the 2019, I must say that the 2018 is killer—easily one of the best of the vintage. Both wines are absolutely stunning. If you can afford them, do not hesitate.