Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 750ml

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. The stunning hilltop Tuscan village of Castelgiocondo sits overlooking the historic estate of the Frescobaldi family in Montalcino who have been closely involved with the development of Brunello di Montalcino over the last two decades. The property, which was originally built in 1100 to defend Siena from attack from the sea, was actually one of the first four to start making Brunello wines in 1800.

The Frescobaldi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo is one of those wines that has seen slight tweaks and stylistic changes over the past 10 years, going from an abundant, large-scale generic Tuscan red to a more subdued and authentic interpretation of the cool Montalcino territory. I’d say that the transition has been smooth and not obvious, unless you were especially attentive. Despite the hot-vintage character of this sample, the wine freely dispenses of wild berry, crushed stone and red rose aromas. This is an ambitious production of 300,000 bottles. – RP 95

A tightly-woven version, the cherry, berry and earth flavors quickly give way to beefy tannins. Leans to the dry, tannic side in the balance, yet has fine length. Best from 2025. – WS 90