Grape: Sangiovese
95 Points Wine Enthusiast
The quiet, elegant nose features delicate aromas of cherries, strawberries and figs, along with weightier notes of earth and stone. The fruit elements turn more decadent and syrupy on the palate, but a subtle citrus bitterness bolsters that flinty, earthy undertone to maintain balance.
93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Packaged with its dark blue label, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino displays a very specific character that I always recognize in this wine. The house style is a callout to local winemaking tradition in which there is a slightly wild side to the cherry fruit and forest floor aromas. The oak spice is smoothly integrated into the medium-weight texture, and there is earthy spice and root at the back. The wine closes with freshness, bitter plum and rusty metal.
93 Points James Suckling
This has an intense nose of incense, toasted walnuts, mocha, maraschino cherries and some menthol. Full-bodied yet remains agile with firm, gently chewy tannins and bright acidity. Try in 2025.
93 Points Wine Spectator
Though vibrant and packed with intense raspberry, cherry, hibiscus and earth flavors, this red is also solidly built, with dense tannins leaving a strong grip on the long, crisp finish. This has plenty to like; just be patient.
92 Points Vinous
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino lifts from the glass with an earth-inspired blend of crushed dried roses, cedar box and balsamic-tinged cherry. This is soft and round on the palate, with liquid violet florals and lavender giving way to ripe wild berries. The 2018 leaves a touch of fine tannins while finishing with admirable length, as a potent staining of black raspberry slowly fades. There's excellent concentration here and a balanced structure that should promote medium-term cellaring.
91 Points Decanter
Despite a fully garnet hue, the nose is vibrant and floral scented with mint and tarragon. Notes of chestnut give this earthy context on the palate – a pleasant contrast to sweet tangy berries. Clean fruit is heightened by mouthwatering acidity, though the tannins are a tad dry. Spreading out over Montalcino’s southeastern flank, the Barbi estate assembles this from multiple plots of ‘middle-aged’ vines - between 12 to 25 years old.
91 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe aromas of balsamic and black cherry emerge from the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino, with purple flowers, tarry earth, and a bit of blue fruit as well. Typical of the 2018s, it has full body, but with a softer texture and more subtle tannin structure. Blackberry, cedar, and fresh soil all come together with gentle richness in this attractive wine, which might be best suited for immediate gratification. Drink 2023-2030.
