2021 Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona ‘Pianrosso’ Brunello di Montalcino

JS98 Enticing aromas of red cherries, dried strawberries and hints of plums, cedar, sandalwood and balsamic. Medium-bodied with a tight and rich center palate and a chewy and powerful finish. This needs time to come together and soften slightly. Best after 2029.

JD96 The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Pianrosso pours a youthful red hue and has a deeper, more complete expression in this vintage. The nose has a cologne-like lift, with brushy sage, cigar box, baked cherries, crushed stones, and licorice. Full-bodied, it stays light on its feet and carries velvety tannins, mouthwatering salinity, and refreshing acidity, with a finish that builds with warmth and spice. It should gain depth with time in bottle. Drink 2027-2040.

WA95 Dark and richly textured, this expression opens with ripe fruit nuances, sweet plum and baking spice. The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is unapologetic about ripeness and the more concentrated side of Sangiovese, a style reinforced by the warm growing conditions of the vintage and the naturally powerful Pianrosso site. There is so much richness and phenolic texture here that it recalls warm years such as 2017 or 2019. The tannins are soft, the alcohol is high at 15.5%, and production stands at 43,000 bottles, including larger formats.

VIN95 The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso slowly evolves with nuances of tobacco, crushed stone, dried herbs, crushed violets and mentholated blackberries. Its velvety textures coat the palate with ripe red and black fruit, crisp mineral tones, fine tannins and a balancing core of stimulating acidity. The 2021 is structured and incredibly long, leaving hints of mocha and licorice on the chewy, tension-filled finish. Though powerful and intense, its inner harmony can not be denied