Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019

**Grape:**
100% Sangiovese.
**Aging in wood:**
At least 32 months in oak.
**Bottle aging:**
The D.O.C.G. regulations governing the production of Brunello Riserva require 6 months bottle aging before release.
**Total production:**
1,213 750 ml bottles, 40 Magnums, 10 Double Magnums.
**Bottled:**
March 19th 2023

Purchase this wine

“Il Palazzone crushed the 2019 vintage, and their excellent Riserva bottling is no exception. It has enchanting aromas…”

— Kerin O'Keefe – November 2024

Tasting Notes Harvest Notes Reviews

Tasting Notes

Il Palazzone produces a Riserva only when lightning strikes and a particular vineyard, cask or blend does something remarkable, resulting in a wine of exceptional distinction, worthy of a further aging and separate bottling.

The 2019 Riserva Brunello di Montalcino is one of these rare occasions when Il Palazzone has decided to release 1,213 special numbered bottles to share that magic with the wine drinking public.

The wine has a delicate ruby colour with orange hues, typical of Sangiovese. The nose offers concentration, depth and, at the same time, freshness and elegance. There are beautiful notes of wild berries, red plums, sandalwood and patchouli as well as a touch of spiced orange zest and licorice. On the palate, the wine expands nicely without being overwhelming and shows a beautiful marriage of complexity and finesse. The juicy acidity and the refined tannins deliver balance and structure.

The 2019 is a refined Riserva which will continue to evolve and mature for many years.

Harvest Notes

2019 is a year that will be sure to be remembered thanks to a perfect phenolic and technological maturity and for the excellent quality of grapes brought to the cellar. This vintage was everything producers look for.

The winter was characterized by temperatures slightly above average, reaching below zero mainly at the beginning of January. Although budding occurred at the usual time, average temperatures in the months of March, April and May were around 10°C, leading to an initial slowdown in vegetative development.

Average temperatures in June and July were between 20°C and 25°C with just a few peaks of 35°C. Worth mentioning is the heavy rain at the end of July with about 70 mm in two days.

There was no rain in August except for some precipitation at the end of the month which was characterised by average temperatures with maximum temperature between 30 and 35°C.

The accumulated water reserves and the never too high temperatures allowed a slow and uniform ripening of the grapes, ideal for obtaining perfect phenolic and technological maturity.

End of summer rain the first week of September delayed harvest briefly, allowing for further refinement of the phenolics and keeping alcohol potential in range. As an added bonus, the harvest took place smoothly during a window of time when the weather was mild and consistent. Excellent vintage.

Reviews

KERIN O’KEEFE – November 2024 – 95 PTS
Il Palazzone crushed the 2019 vintage, and their excellent Riserva bottling is no exception. It has enchanting aromas of blue flower, wild berry, Mediterranean scrub and dark spice while the elegant, almost ethereal palate features succulent red cherry, spiced orange zest and licorice. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity provide structure and balance. Drink 2029–2039. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com

WINECRITIC.COM - October 2024 – 96 PTS (Raffaele Vecchione)
Classic and with excellent sensorial form, it shows notes of red plums, wild strawberries, black cherries, lemon peel, vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli. Medium-full body, solid and pronounced in the sip, it closes juicy and essential. No frills. How beautiful. Better from 2027.

VINOUS – November 2024 – 94+ PTS (Eric Guido)
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is hauntingly dark, floral and perfumed, mixing roses and violets with cherry sauce and hints of crushed stone. It is deeply textural, with silken waves of lavender-laced red and blue fruits swirling throughout. This leaves a chalky mineral concentration and fine tannins to mingle as nuances of violet pastille and spice slowly fade. The 2019 is an elegant and radiant Riserva with the balance for a long and steady evolution.

JANCIS ROBINSON – October 2024 – 17.5 PTS (Walter Speller)
Developing mid ruby with orange tinges. Pine and rich raspberry fruit on the nose. Succulent, chalky, minerally raspberry fruit and gorgeous gravelly tannins. Full yet conveys a sense of elegance. (WS)

DECANTER –November 2024 – 94 PTS (Michaela Morris)
‘Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Riserva: 10 picks from a triumphant return to form’ (Michaela Morris January 2025)
The estate crafts their Riserva from La Vecchia in the southeast of Montalcino. Planted in the 1970s, the vineyard sits on iron-rich stony soil, reaching 400m above sea level. It opens tentatively with candied violet aromas and with air, earthier nuances of juniper and sandalwood come into play. The palate is awash with spiced red plum framed by soft, chalky tannins. With much reduced time in wood with respect to previous vintages, the 2019 exhibits admirable freshness, and that bright buoyancy should carry the wine effortlessly over the next decade.