Sesti Sesti 'Phenomena' Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 750ml

Spending five years in oak, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Phenomena pours a medium red/garnet hue and offers a detailed, spiced nose of clove, grenadine, dried cherries, sappy Mediterranean herbs, and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied, with terrific clarity, supple tannins, and refreshing acidity, and it holds onto a focused, savory finish with a citrus-tinged lift. It has more suppleness with air and balances out fabulously. Drink 2026-2040.

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Phenomena is wickedly fresh and lively in the glass as wild strawberries and blueberries combine with minty herbs and dusty rose. It is surprisingly lifted and graceful in feel, with cooling acidity, balanced inner sweetness, and depths of crisp wild berry fruit. Crunchy and long, the 2020 finishes tannic yet fresh, leaving a slight citrus and balsamic twang. The Phenomena is so expressive and forward today that it is hard to imagine it getting any better.

Bright amber-red. Very pure strawberry and red cherry aromas and flavors are complicated by a strong mineral element. Multilayered and complex, this very suave, beautiful Brunello finishes long and with noteworthy spicy kick.

The Sesti 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Phenomena is a heavy-footed wine that delivers power and richness alongside bold aromas of blackberry and spice. While the wine shows moderate depth, the character of the vintage leans into its strengths, presenting fruit-forward intensity and accessibility in an upfront and generous manner. Produced as a Riserva from carefully selected lots at the Sesti estate, this bottling reflects a warmer growing season that favors immediacy and breadth over restraint.

Aromas of underbrush, tobacco, used leather, scorched earth and a suggestion of oak slowly take shape in the glass. On the palate, round velvety tannins underscore raspberry compote, dried cherry and baking spice. It’s rather forward so drink over the next several years. (Kerin O’Keefe)

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Phenomena boats bigger bones and a more voluptuous style. The wine sees a whopping 51 months in oak and has had ample time to put on weight, structure and fleshiness as a result. Blackberry and cherry confit rise from the bouquet with exotic spice and tobacco in tow. Thankfully, the wine is not too heavy or thick. But it is reflective of the warm vintage for sure with soft tannins and dark fruit flavors.