Tasting Notes
The colour is beautiful, clear, bright garnet-red. The 2018 Riserva has a complex nose; an initial fine floral entry and, with time in the glass, a slow-motion aroma explosion, passing from wild berries to notes of undergrowth, hints of rhubarb and cigar. Subtle on the palate, it progressively builds up owing to the fine-grained tannins backed by supporting acidity. Intense, lip-smacking and elegant on the palate. A note of blood orange on the finish. An extraordinary Brunello!
Harvest Notes
The 2018 was a vintage that reminded us of a different time, when the growing season could be defined as warm and not hot or torrid as happened in most of the past few years. The winter was characterised by average rainfall and some snow, first in February and then in March, which luckily made up for the considerable lack of water of the previous year. There were some rainy days during the first week of September, with maximum temperatures about 30°C which guaranteed a good ripening of the grapes. Heavy rainfall and temperatures of around 20°C from the second half of September forced us to quickly bring the Sangiovese harvest forward in order to ensure the grape’s health. Harvest began 25th September 2018.
Reviews
Vinous – November 2023 – 94 PTS (Eric Guido)
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls the taster close to the glass to take in its warming blend of steeped plums, ashen stones, clove and sage. It’s velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, with pretty wild berry fruits carried by fresh acidity as rosy inner florals and balsamic spice evolve toward the close. This ends with a tart orange twang and licorice, tapering off long and staining yet full of tension as a subtle tug of fine tannins lingers. Il Palazzone found a lovely balance here, as I don’t see any issues with the extended aging robbing the wine of the vividly pure fruit that I find in the best 2018s. I would happily add this wine to my own cellar.
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls the taster close to the glass to take in its warming blend of steeped plums, ashen stones, clove and sage. It’s velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, with pretty wild berry fruits carried by fresh acidity as rosy inner florals and balsamic spice evolve toward the close. This ends with a tart orange twang and licorice, tapering off long and staining yet full of tension as a subtle tug of fine tannins lingers. Il Palazzone found a lovely balance here, as I don’t see any issues with the extended aging robbing the wine of the vividly pure fruit that I find in the best 2018s. I would happily add this wine to my own cellar.
Tony Wood–February 2024 – 95+ PTS
Medium garnet red in colour. Lifted and delicate bouquet of blue florals such as violet, hyacinth and lavender. Dark berry fruit, red cherry, plum and damson. Secondary nuances of orange peel, floral underbrush, cigar leaf and salty liquorice. Elegant and yet slightly racy. Hovers on the close. Impressive.
Medium garnet red in colour. Lifted and delicate bouquet of blue florals such as violet, hyacinth and lavender. Dark berry fruit, red cherry, plum and damson. Secondary nuances of orange peel, floral underbrush, cigar leaf and salty liquorice. Elegant and yet slightly racy. Hovers on the close. Impressive.
Decanter – February 2024 - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2018: 20 recommendations (Michaela Morris)
Medium in weight with a concentrated core of glossy red fruit and hints of savoury meat, the structure is rather gentle for a Riserva, though chalky tannins rise on the mid-palate, giving some drama and energy. Will be satisfying now and over the next six to seven years. Since 2018, Il Palazzone has been working with renowned consultant, Maurizio Castelli.
Medium in weight with a concentrated core of glossy red fruit and hints of savoury meat, the structure is rather gentle for a Riserva, though chalky tannins rise on the mid-palate, giving some drama and energy. Will be satisfying now and over the next six to seven years. Since 2018, Il Palazzone has been working with renowned consultant, Maurizio Castelli.
Winescritic.com – September 2023 – 94 PTS
Brilliant in its sensorial profile, it combines floral and fruity notes in the best possible way. The notes of lavender, hibiscus and karkadè blend well with nuances of violet, hyacinth, plums and pressed grape must. Medium body, perfectly balanced and tamed tannins and a very high quality finish that makes its genuine character its best weapon. Better from 2025.
Brilliant in its sensorial profile, it combines floral and fruity notes in the best possible way. The notes of lavender, hibiscus and karkadè blend well with nuances of violet, hyacinth, plums and pressed grape must. Medium body, perfectly balanced and tamed tannins and a very high quality finish that makes its genuine character its best weapon. Better from 2025.
Kerin O’Keefe – January 2024 – 94 PTS
Dog rose, leather, pine forest and sage aromas form the enticing nose on Il Palazzone’s lovely 2018 Brunello Riserva along with a whisper of white truffle. Focused, elegant and savory, the linear palate features Morello cherry, blood orange and star anise alongside polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and bright. Drink through 2030. Abv: 13.5% Kerin O’Keefe January 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com.
Dog rose, leather, pine forest and sage aromas form the enticing nose on Il Palazzone’s lovely 2018 Brunello Riserva along with a whisper of white truffle. Focused, elegant and savory, the linear palate features Morello cherry, blood orange and star anise alongside polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and bright. Drink through 2030. Abv: 13.5% Kerin O’Keefe January 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com.