Classic, profound, detailed, all perfectly describe La Rasina’s 96 point Brunello di Montalcino. The wine is intensely aromatic, focused and persistent.  The winery continues to make investments in their vineyards and winemaking, and just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, they did… La Rasina has been one of our most popular Brunellos in the shop for years, and this vintage is at an entirely new level of detail and enchantment. The 2013 is noticeably more masculine and powerfully structured with and deep layers of mineral laced red fruits, iron, Spring violets and spiced plum.  At $49.99, this Brunello truly has it all… 

 

One of the few remaining wineries in Montalcino that’s owned and farmed by a Montalcino born family, La Rasina was founded nearly 1/2 century ago.  The Estate shows a palpable dedication to excellence which is obvious in a glass of this stunning 2013 Brunello.  Further refined in oak barrels for two years, the 2013 enters from another outstanding vintage in Montalcino and one the Wine Spectator describes as producing, “balanced Brunellos with vibrant structures.”  I highly recommend a case of this classic and high-scoring Brunello.  

 

 

From James Suckling: “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.” 96 Points

GIOVANNI ROSSO 2013 BAROLO PIEDMONT, ITALY Retails at:  $48.00/btl   Your Price: $39.99/btl  Click to Order From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points

LIVIO SASSETTI 2011 PERTIMALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO Retails at:  $55.00/btl   Your Price: $44.99/btl  Click to Order   If you could only drink only one Brunello di Montalcino, what would it be?  Robert Parker wrote “it would have to be Pertimali.”  The only problem is they’re a microscopic Italian producer owning only 7 hectares (about 17 acres), and they’re highly-desired…  Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest,” and they’ve been making hits since 1982… 94 Points Wine Enthusiast