Sweet, dark, cherry fruit, medium plus tannins, nice earth and reasonable acid finish. This is an easy drinking Brunello that is in a good place right now. Should drink well for another 5+ years. 14.5% abv
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very enjoyable as long as you take it for what it is. An entry level BdM to enjoy while letting the more complex 15 BdM slumber for a few more years. Almost Rosso-like. Great QPR. Drink or hold.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and drank over four hours without much development. Cherry, sour cherry. Good length but pretty straight forward right now. Could probably use 5-10 years
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Second of 12. Last bottle was over 2 years ago and was very disappointed by how primary (all sour cherry) and muted it was, even after a 24 hour double decant. This bottle was given a 3 hour decant and served at 65 degrees. The cherry is now taking a back seat with more secondary flavors starting to emerge. Soft tannins show up for a medium to long finish. Very enjoyable right now as I finally experience what this wine intended. I was worried about this but see that it is just now entering its drinking window.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep cherry color with clear hints of amber. Color concentrated to the rim. Quite muted at first, almost a bit reductive. After an hour or so in the glass, classic tones of black cherry, tobacco, warm earth, and a nice spicy tone (cinnamon?). Full bodied, smooth attack. The wine fans out on the mid palate, caressing the mouth. The flavors are still a bit hard to decipher. It seems a bit muted, not giving much. The aftertaste is quite compact. a bit earthy, stony and with clear tones of iron. Fine acidity and smooth tannins on the finish, while the aftertaste displays some tones of tobacco and graphite. Too young, or just lacking some air? We left it in the glass for more than three hours, and the wine did not change much. The score is reflecting a belief that this will "come over" in the near future.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Probably too young at this stage but the wine is not that interesting imho. Will cellar remaining bottles for some more years in hope of more complexity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1st of 6. This has a lovely and complex nose, showing spices and complex fruit and floral notes. The oak is not too prominent. The 14.5% abv shows just a bit (on the nose and the palate), but there is so much there that it feels balanced nevertheless. The tannins are fine and still in large quantity - time will help here. The acidity is high but balanced. The finish is quite long. This is a juicy, delicious wine, but also elegant - really a treat.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
One of my favorite Brunello producers. This packs a punch and while it is built in a more modern style of Brunello, I love it. For $50 per bottle, this is a steal of a deal. Decanted for 1 hour.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Delicious. Nice nose, great balance, and wonderful texture of young tannins. This was a hit. One of many wines tried over the course of my 55th b-day party. This wine overachieves, holding its own with wines three times it price. I'd say definitely enjoy this one now, and relish what's to come for its future.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for 2 hours but didn’t really come to live as I’ve hoped. Would recommend holding these bottles for a few more years or give them plenty of time to breath (at least 4 hours).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As leery as I am of BdMs in the high-single-digit age range (I don't know how many TNs I've read on this site about "flat" or "over the hill" 8yo BdMs), I've been finding the '15s to be remarkably open and approachable with a long decant, as was the case here.
Even at 4 hours this was just waking up; really came to life around hour 5. Clean, modern styling, medium weight, with Marasca cherry, fennel seed, and a bit of a raisin note that took a little more time to balance out. Medium finish, with some fairly prevalent, but not overbearing tannins.
Very nice effort. Although I usually gravitate toward a more traditional style of BdM, this will appeal to a great many palates. Really enjoyed this!
Drink now with a long decant, or hold until at least 2030.
EDIT: note in the comments to clarify "flat"/"over the hill".
An unusually approachable wine at this early stage.
The nose is dominated by punchy sour cherry with a character that is instantly recognisable as Brunello. It’s highlighted by a distinctive pure bitter citrus note, along with chocolate and leather. The acidity provides structure and tannins are very well integrated already.
The palate is totally consistent with the nose, and the cherry fruit is rich and broad. Texturally you may expect that the mid-palate will gain weight and fill out over time but it’s already a luxurious and characterful wine, unmistakably Brunello. If you have a case then you’ve got nothing to lose by cracking one open now, and if you’re a fan of drinking your Brunello young-ish, then this would be a very rewarding choice.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Awesome bouquet, fresh leather, cedar, medicinal cherry. Sharp acidity, with a meaty/sappy palate, soft/medium tannins and great balance. Power and grace.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really tasty Brunello. Cherry, solid tannins, balanced, not overly-extracted or oaked. Worked well with mozzarella, mortadella, prosciutto, fresh tomatoes, artichokes and Sullivan Street focaccia and sesame bread. 93/94.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnP first night w meatball sandwiches. Dark maroon in color with no signs of age. Medium nose with hints of black cherry. Seemed restrained so had two glasses and re corked. Improved substantially the second day. Black raspberry and tart and black cherry on the palate. Only had one glass. Didn’t get back to it until day 5. Was pleasantly surprised it was still good after thinking I’d waited too long. Highly suggest decanting if opening soon. I’ll be waiting a couple years before opening the next one.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Quite nice. High in acidity and full-flavored without being over the top. I probably would have enjoyed with more age, but it’s in a good place now with food.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and put in refrigerator for almost 24 hours before pouring back into bottle. Had high hopes for this wine and hoped that this preparation would pay off. Upon pouring there was very little going on as far as the nose. The taste is dominated by the cherry, not to say that it was overpowering, but that there was little else going on. It was a nice sipper but I detected little in the way of structure. It was OK but I was disappointed given the reviews on release and the more recent TNs. Will let the rest of the case sleep for a while before trying again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gorgeous wine. Very refined on the palate with a striking aroma. After decant just tremendous. Drinking well now. This is one of the best BdM I've ever had.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Because of the strong ratings by other contributors, I will not assign a score as I may have had a "off" bottle. After a three hour decant the principle flavor was a mildly bitter licorice-rose. Poured down the drain.
Slight Cigar aroma maybe need more than 1.5 hr decanting time. A very gentle beautiful wine. Clean aftertaste with fresh palate. Light style for an Aussie Shiraz drinker. Great Brunello. Tobacco and oak.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The aromatics are impressive but misled me into thinking it was Barolo. A nose of strong camphor trending toward Ben-Gay (but in a good way). There’s also a deep earthy rose smell. Extremely light-bodied and pale color. Sharp, vivid acidity, especially on entry - then the flavors of cherry and dark plum explode. Extremely fine-grained tannins carry a lengthy finish. The wine is, at this point, angular but surprisingly open and approachable. Quite a lovely experience.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted 3h before serving. Somewhat restrained nose of tobacco and red fruits. Smooth and harmonious with flavors of cranberry, anise seed, and kirsch and juicy acidity. Finishes long with smooth but chewy tannins. Another great ‘15 Brunello, best after 5-10 years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is clearly much to young. Nice ruby color with beautiful amber touch at the rim. Brilliant. Quite muted nose dominated by red cherries, some almonds/marzipan, and a deep earthy, almost green (spicy in the vein of pine) tone after a couple of hours in the glass. Medium to full bodied attack, silky mouthfeel at first. Then a heavy acidity kicks in, followed by smooth tannins and lot of cherry/raspberry fruit. Extremely clean and "cutting" for a Brunello. Fans out in the finish, opening the spicy tones in the nose and the nutty tones that lingers in the aftertaste. Very long, extremely fresh. This is a wine for the long haul: the fruit is excellent, tha tannins are smooth but clearly present, and the acidity is high. My only concern: will the fruit survive the acidity? Wait at least five years before drinking.
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice red hue. Good clarity. Really interesting. Decanted 30 mins in magnum sized decanter. Drank over 2 hrs. Even though this is on the young side it is drinking really really well. A core of lively freshness and acidity. Gastronomic like a lot of really good Italian wines are. Smoke, spice, a certain charcuterie meatiness. Red fruits at the red current, raspberry end of the spectrum for me. Nice fine grained tannins. Quite long. Well balanced even though this is 14.5 alc. doesn't feel especially warm.
Dark cherry, hints of leather & tar but cool on the nose. No sense of overripe fruit at all. Medium + bodied, some dried fruits and savory elements on the palate, medium acid, soft medium tannins. Very surprised by this - Don’t know why but expected an aggressive bruiser. This is far from that - an elegant example of Brunello done well.
Gorgeous, highly perfumed nose. Great sense of place, grape and all the freshness one could want from the vintage. This needs several years before it's entering its preferred window. Drink 2025-2045. Excellent. highly recommended
Tasted at Benvenuto Brunello NYC. Not sure of the facts but this tatses lik it has some new oak aging, but not a lot. A little smokey with floral and cherry notes. Good depth and a nice texture/mouthfeel. Vanilla and a touch of cocoa on the finish. Good acidity and moderate tannin. Somewhat modern tasting and in balance. Will probably cellar well for a couple decades.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
4/7/2024 - AB16 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Sweet, dark, cherry fruit, medium plus tannins, nice earth and reasonable acid finish. This is an easy drinking Brunello that is in a good place right now. Should drink well for another 5+ years. 14.5% abv
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/6/2024 - Ibetian wrote: 92 Points
Decanted about an hour before dinner, which worked well. Not the most complex wine, but drank very well. Fine nose and very pleasant in the mouth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/4/2024 - EM_MB Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very enjoyable as long as you take it for what it is. An entry level BdM to enjoy while letting the more complex 15 BdM slumber for a few more years. Almost Rosso-like. Great QPR. Drink or hold.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2024 - BrunelloBob wrote: 90 Points
Decanted and drank over four hours without much development. Cherry, sour cherry. Good length but pretty straight forward right now. Could probably use 5-10 years
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2024 - Mark van Delft Likes this wine: 91 Points
New Brunello for me, from a 375 ml bottle: cherry, leather, prune, red fruit, light to medium body, nice Sangiovese finish. Not a wow factor though.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2023 - Giller63 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Second of 12. Last bottle was over 2 years ago and was very disappointed by how primary (all sour cherry) and muted it was, even after a 24 hour double decant. This bottle was given a 3 hour decant and served at 65 degrees. The cherry is now taking a back seat with more secondary flavors starting to emerge. Soft tannins show up for a medium to long finish. Very enjoyable right now as I finally experience what this wine intended. I was worried about this but see that it is just now entering its drinking window.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2023 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Similar to my tasting note from September. - great value Brunello.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/9/2023 - dagij Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep cherry color with clear hints of amber. Color concentrated to the rim. Quite muted at first, almost a bit reductive. After an hour or so in the glass, classic tones of black cherry, tobacco, warm earth, and a nice spicy tone (cinnamon?). Full bodied, smooth attack. The wine fans out on the mid palate, caressing the mouth. The flavors are still a bit hard to decipher. It seems a bit muted, not giving much. The aftertaste is quite compact. a bit earthy, stony and with clear tones of iron. Fine acidity and smooth tannins on the finish, while the aftertaste displays some tones of tobacco and graphite. Too young, or just lacking some air? We left it in the glass for more than three hours, and the wine did not change much. The score is reflecting a belief that this will "come over" in the near future.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/14/2023 - Chris Likes this wine: 95 Points
Great earthiness, gorgeous color, solid fruit, just awesome all around
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/30/2023 - Krassens wrote: 88 Points
Probably too young at this stage but the wine is not that interesting imho. Will cellar remaining bottles for some more years in hope of more complexity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/17/2023 - trumpet60201 Likes this wine: 93 Points
1st of 6. This has a lovely and complex nose, showing spices and complex fruit and floral notes. The oak is not too prominent. The 14.5% abv shows just a bit (on the nose and the palate), but there is so much there that it feels balanced nevertheless. The tannins are fine and still in large quantity - time will help here. The acidity is high but balanced. The finish is quite long. This is a juicy, delicious wine, but also elegant - really a treat.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/8/2023 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of my favorite Brunello producers. This packs a punch and while it is built in a more modern style of Brunello, I love it. For $50 per bottle, this is a steal of a deal. Decanted for 1 hour.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/12/2023 - stschutz Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious. Nice nose, great balance, and wonderful texture of young tannins. This was a hit. One of many wines tried over the course of my 55th b-day party. This wine overachieves, holding its own with wines three times it price. I'd say definitely enjoy this one now, and relish what's to come for its future.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2023 - GAVK wrote:
Decanted for 2 hours but didn’t really come to live as I’ve hoped. Would recommend holding these bottles for a few more years or give them plenty of time to breath (at least 4 hours).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/15/2023 - finlero Likes this wine: 92 Points
As leery as I am of BdMs in the high-single-digit age range (I don't know how many TNs I've read on this site about "flat" or "over the hill" 8yo BdMs), I've been finding the '15s to be remarkably open and approachable with a long decant, as was the case here.
Even at 4 hours this was just waking up; really came to life around hour 5. Clean, modern styling, medium weight, with Marasca cherry, fennel seed, and a bit of a raisin note that took a little more time to balance out. Medium finish, with some fairly prevalent, but not overbearing tannins.
Very nice effort. Although I usually gravitate toward a more traditional style of BdM, this will appeal to a great many palates. Really enjoyed this!
Drink now with a long decant, or hold until at least 2030.
EDIT: note in the comments to clarify "flat"/"over the hill".
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
12/26/2022 - Wine Boss Likes this wine: 88 Points
2+ hours of decanting. Did not open up much - high acid dominated.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2022 - Chris Likes this wine: 97 Points
Absolutely fantastic, great earthiness, perfect BdM coloring, solid balance of fruit and light tannins, fabulous.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2022 - StefanVB wrote:
Top 25 wines JS
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/16/2022 - Joshvoulters Likes this wine: 93 Points
An unusually approachable wine at this early stage.
The nose is dominated by punchy sour cherry with a character that is instantly recognisable as Brunello. It’s highlighted by a distinctive pure bitter citrus note, along with chocolate and leather. The acidity provides structure and tannins are very well integrated already.
The palate is totally consistent with the nose, and the cherry fruit is rich and broad. Texturally you may expect that the mid-palate will gain weight and fill out over time but it’s already a luxurious and characterful wine, unmistakably Brunello. If you have a case then you’ve got nothing to lose by cracking one open now, and if you’re a fan of drinking your Brunello young-ish, then this would be a very rewarding choice.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/13/2022 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
After 2 hours in the decanter this really started to open up and sing. I love this producer of Brunello. Paired great with pizza.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/9/2022 - DrinkerTrev Likes this wine: 95 Points
A great wine that likes an hour or so to open up,
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/26/2022 - robmatic wrote: 93 Points
Awesome bouquet, fresh leather, cedar, medicinal cherry. Sharp acidity, with a meaty/sappy palate, soft/medium tannins and great balance. Power and grace.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/23/2021 - R Z Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really tasty Brunello. Cherry, solid tannins, balanced, not overly-extracted or oaked. Worked well with mozzarella, mortadella, prosciutto, fresh tomatoes, artichokes and Sullivan Street focaccia and sesame bread. 93/94.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2021 - EZEddie Likes this wine: 95 Points
PnP first night w meatball sandwiches. Dark maroon in color with no signs of age. Medium nose with hints of black cherry. Seemed restrained so had two glasses and re corked. Improved substantially the second day. Black raspberry and tart and black cherry on the palate. Only had one glass. Didn’t get back to it until day 5. Was pleasantly surprised it was still good after thinking I’d waited too long. Highly suggest decanting if opening soon. I’ll be waiting a couple years before opening the next one.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/10/2021 - christyler Likes this wine: 91 Points
Quite nice. High in acidity and full-flavored without being over the top. I probably would have enjoyed with more age, but it’s in a good place now with food.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/29/2021 - persen wrote:
Dag 1 Uforløst frukt. Slank. Høy syre. Ganske avslepen tanninstruktur. Neste 2023.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/10/2021 - Giller63 Likes this wine:
Decanted and put in refrigerator for almost 24 hours before pouring back into bottle. Had high hopes for this wine and hoped that this preparation would pay off. Upon pouring there was very little going on as far as the nose. The taste is dominated by the cherry, not to say that it was overpowering, but that there was little else going on. It was a nice sipper but I detected little in the way of structure. It was OK but I was disappointed given the reviews on release and the more recent TNs. Will let the rest of the case sleep for a while before trying again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/5/2021 - Chris Likes this wine: 98 Points
Gorgeous wine. Very refined on the palate with a striking aroma. After decant just tremendous. Drinking well now. This is one of the best BdM I've ever had.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2021 - kend707 Does not like this wine:
Because of the strong ratings by other contributors, I will not assign a score as I may have had a "off" bottle. After a three hour decant the principle flavor was a mildly bitter licorice-rose. Poured down the drain.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
1/5/2021 - DrinkerTrev wrote: 95 Points
Slight Cigar aroma maybe need more than 1.5 hr decanting time. A very gentle beautiful wine. Clean aftertaste with fresh palate. Light style for an Aussie Shiraz drinker. Great Brunello. Tobacco and oak.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/29/2020 - randyjc wrote: 93 Points
The aromatics are impressive but misled me into thinking it was Barolo. A nose of strong camphor trending toward Ben-Gay (but in a good way). There’s also a deep earthy rose smell. Extremely light-bodied and pale color. Sharp, vivid acidity, especially on entry - then the flavors of cherry and dark plum explode. Extremely fine-grained tannins carry a lengthy finish. The wine is, at this point, angular but surprisingly open and approachable. Quite a lovely experience.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/28/2020 - GrapeScott wrote: 92 Points
Decanted 3h before serving. Somewhat restrained nose of tobacco and red fruits. Smooth and harmonious with flavors of cranberry, anise seed, and kirsch and juicy acidity. Finishes long with smooth but chewy tannins. Another great ‘15 Brunello, best after 5-10 years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/13/2020 - dagij Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is clearly much to young. Nice ruby color with beautiful amber touch at the rim. Brilliant. Quite muted nose dominated by red cherries, some almonds/marzipan, and a deep earthy, almost green (spicy in the vein of pine) tone after a couple of hours in the glass. Medium to full bodied attack, silky mouthfeel at first. Then a heavy acidity kicks in, followed by smooth tannins and lot of cherry/raspberry fruit. Extremely clean and "cutting" for a Brunello. Fans out in the finish, opening the spicy tones in the nose and the nutty tones that lingers in the aftertaste. Very long, extremely fresh. This is a wine for the long haul: the fruit is excellent, tha tannins are smooth but clearly present, and the acidity is high. My only concern: will the fruit survive the acidity? Wait at least five years before drinking.
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/5/2020 - chablis28 wrote: 92 Points
Talenti is always a worthwhile Brunello to own, cellar and drink. Delicious, balanced and nuanced in this vintage.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/31/2020 - vino vidi vici Likes this wine:
Excellent
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/13/2020 - pcwoz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice red hue. Good clarity. Really interesting. Decanted 30 mins in magnum sized decanter. Drank over 2 hrs. Even though this is on the young side it is drinking really really well. A core of lively freshness and acidity. Gastronomic like a lot of really good Italian wines are. Smoke, spice, a certain charcuterie meatiness. Red fruits at the red current, raspberry end of the spectrum for me. Nice fine grained tannins. Quite long. Well balanced even though this is 14.5 alc. doesn't feel especially warm.
92-93 Could be underscoring. See with some age
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
6/6/2020 - OmiyaDrinker wrote: 92 Points
Dark cherry, hints of leather & tar but cool on the nose. No sense of overripe fruit at all. Medium + bodied, some dried fruits and savory elements on the palate, medium acid, soft medium tannins. Very surprised by this - Don’t know why but expected an aggressive bruiser. This is far from that - an elegant example of Brunello done well.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
4/13/2020 - Ecb1456 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Young yet still civilized after 2 hour decant. Slightly tart cherries with earthy black fruit. A delight but should still sit down for a few years.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/21/2020 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
2015 Brunello di Montalcino, new releases (Montalcino centro): Benvenuto Brunello 2020, Montalcino
Gorgeous, highly perfumed nose. Great sense of place, grape and all the freshness one could want from the vintage. This needs several years before it's entering its preferred window. Drink 2025-2045. Excellent.
highly recommended
Full 2015 Brunello report here https://wp.me/p7fulH-27j
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/27/2020 - oldwines Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasted at Benvenuto Brunello NYC. Not sure of the facts but this tatses lik it has some new oak aging, but not a lot. A little smokey with floral and cherry notes. Good depth and a nice texture/mouthfeel. Vanilla and a touch of cocoa on the finish. Good acidity and moderate tannin. Somewhat modern tasting and in balance. Will probably cellar well for a couple decades.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment