Castello Banfi Castello Banfi Vigna Marrucheto Brunello di Montalcino 2018 750ml

An intense red, with blackberry, black currant, wet hay, leather, earth and iron aromas and flavors piercing the athletic structure. Almost delicate, with a dense matrix of tannins for support. Features fine energy and length. Best from 2026 through 2047. 1,100 cases made, 213 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)

Cranberries, crushed raspberries, bark, tobacco leaf, hazelnuts and lemons on the nose. Expressive, fresh and savory on the palate, with bright acidity and tight, firm tannins. I like the tangy energy at the end. Try in 2024. (James Suckling)

Now in its proverbial third leaf (or the third vintage made), the Castello Banfi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Marrucheto is a wine of rich concentration and dark fruit nuances. The bouquet is tight and powerful with all kinds of black cherry and wild currant aromas. The balance is good and so is the intensity of the primary fruit. Only the strong 15% alcohol content is out of place. This is a solid Brunello that will appeal to those who love the richer and more saturated side of Sangiovese. There is some sour cherry on the close, and the tannins would benefit from a few more years in the bottle. Production is exactly 13,325 bottles.

Moving to a more serious and grounding wine, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Marrucheto is ripe with balsamic, toasted herbs, sassafras, and black cherry. It is full without being heavy and has meaty cherry black and plum pit, as well as toasted cedar and forest floor. This is another firmly structured wine with more tannin than acid lift. Drink 2025–2032. (Audrey Frick)