2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Pianrosso, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Tuscany, Italy

Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning.

Drink 2029 - 2044

The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a wide and all-encompassing bouquet with dried cherry or cherry pie with the crust, plum tart and rose potpourri. There are evident oak tones, but they fold into underbrush, grilled herb and the generous texture of this wine. Likewise, the 15% alcohol content also neatly disappears into the wine's fleshy fruit consistency. For sure, this is a wine that needs more bottle evolution in order to hone in on the silkiness and pretty freshness of such an important Sangiovese.

Paolo Bianchini and his family at Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona farm organically across their mighty holdings of 55.5 hectares in one of the most beautiful spots imaginable, especially at sunset. The soils see a lot of schistic galestro clay, and the vines thrive at a well-ventilated 240 to 360 meters in elevation facing Monte Amiata and far-reaching southern exposures over a wide forested panorama. That beautiful sense of openness is something you taste in the wines, even more so with some bottle age.

Drink 2026 - 2048

Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance.

Drink 2024 - 2034

Dried cherries and flowers, such as roses and rose stems, as well as dried mushrooms and dried flowers. Medium to full body with super integrated tannins that are firm and racy and caress the palate like fine silk. A little shy now, but will open even more with time or decanting.

Drink or hold