DECANTER
RATINGS & TASTING NOTES
We are proud to update you on the scores and tasting notes published by Decanter on our current vintages. Our wines have been evaluated by wine experts who have recognized their exceptional quality. In this article, we invite you to read how Michaela Morris, our area manager for Decanter, and James Button, Italy-related content editor, rated our labels.
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2016
92 points – Michaela Morris
Cecilia Leoneschi has been the winemaker at Castiglion del Bosco since Massimo Ferragamo purchased the estate in 2003. She has been instrumental in converting the estate to organic practices, with official certification achieved in 2016. Grilled nut, cedar and vanilla permeate the wild strawberry-soaked nose. The palate is concentrated and confidently extracted. Dry, grippy tannins clutch the mouth. Followed closely by a wash of lip-smacking acidity. Savoury with compelling underbrush accents, there is plenty brewing here.
– By Michaela Morris
93 points – James Button
This Riserva 2016, poured from magnum, displays ripe red and black hedgerow fruit aromas with a dusty, earthy edge. Firm tannins support its full body. There’s a touch of austerity here. Touches of liquorice, black olive, herbs and dark fruits lend depth to this sturdy and ageable wine. Finishing with notes of spicy cedar and balsamic freshness along with spiky acidity.
– By James Button
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO CAMPO DEL DRAGO 2018
95 points – Michaela Morris
Facing southwest and sitting on Galestro soil at 450 metres above sea level, Campo del Drago is typically the estate’s last vineyard to be picked. In 2018, it was harvested mid-October, included about 30% whole bunches and saw its usual mix of 30% barriques and 70% large casks for ageing. It’s more brooding that the classic Brunello. Showing sweet spice and cedar-infused black currants and plum. Full but not rich. It’s shored up by gravelly tannins and scores of acidity. The palate hints at forest undergrowth, mint and stone, though this will need a few more years to reveal all of its nuances.
– By Michaela Morris
Michaela Morris, also listed our Campo del Drago among the “Top Brunello di Montalcino Wines“ – in eighth place and also among the “Brunello 2018 for the cellar“ in which she selected only 5 wines.
93 points – James Button
Campo del Drago is a single 1.5ha plot at the top of the Capanna vineyard. Located at an altitude of 450 metres. A longer maceration using the submerged cap technique delivers a darker nose of black cherry, damp earth, black pepper and wood. There’s a good concentration of pure, ripe red and black fruits studded with points of black pepper and liquorice. Integrated acidity. Filigreed tannins present a refined character. Fresh balsamic finish balances the dense fruit well.
– By James Button
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2018
93 points – Michaela Morris
In the far northwest of Montalcino, the expansive Castiglion del Bosco estate sprawls over several hills of varying altitude, exposure and terrain. From 42 hectares designated for Brunello comes this impressive 150,000-bottle production. Rather than exploding with fragrance, the 2018 unveils its evocative floral scents slowly. These reach a crescendo on the palate, melding seamlessly with cheerful pure pomegranate and cherry flavours. Supple tannins are velvety in texture. Unforced and fluid, this is hard to resist now.
– By Michaela Morris
91 points – James Button
From the large 42ha southwest-facing Capanna vineyard to the northwest of Montalcino, the fruit for this Brunello is grown at altitudes between 350 and 400m above sea level. Vinified in stainless steel. Then spends 24 months in old French oak – 70% casks and 30% small barriques. Ripe red and black cherry aromas mingle with balsamic, peppery lift. Fine, ripe tannins and bright acidity cradle red fruit flavours, developing a streak of raspberry along with chocolatey hints and an earthy, peppery finish. Vibrant and elegant.
– By James Button
