MONICA LARNER: EXCELLENT SCORES FOR THE NEW BRUNELLOS
ROBERT PARKER – WINE ADVOCATE PUBLISHES REVIEWS OF THE 2021 BRUNELLO AND 2020 RISERVA JUST RELEASED, WITH WONDERFUL DESCRIPTIONS BY MONICA LARNER
By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda
Brunello Prime Donne 2021, Brunello di Montalcino 2021 e Brunello Riserva 2020 Donatella Cinelli Colombini wine advocate ratings Casato Prime Donne, Montalcino, Toscana
As always, Monica Larner, editor of the Robert Parker- Wine Advocate, impresses with her above-average journalistic professionalism. She’s not just a taster, as many of her colleagues are; she’s above all a journalist capable of narrating wine regions and explaining their evolution over time. Reading her helps us understand the appellations, of which she is one of the most faithful and profound narrators. This professional trait derives from her education at Boston University and then New York University, as well as from her experience in the editorial offices of three major newspapers: La Repubblica, the International Herald Tribune, and Corriere della Sera.
A more than solid background which, in more recent years, has been combined with an excellent tasting ability that places Monica Larner among the best wine critics in the world.
93/100 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021
Wearing its maturity with confidence, the organic Brunello di Montalcino 2021 Donatella Cinelli Colombini expresses dark fruit, black cherry, and hints of crème de cassis in a style that tends to be richer and more concentrated than much of the current Montalcino wine scene. Although the wine initially presents itself as modern or contemporary, it ultimately resolves with a sleek elegance and a harmonious progression that remains true to the character of the Sangiovese grape. On the palate, it balances power and control, avoiding excess despite its generous profile. The grapes come from approximately 10 hectares of vineyards, for a total production of 38,800 bottles.
95/100 BRUNELLO PRIME DONNE 2021
Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s certified organic Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne 2021 combines remarkable aromatic intensity with a measured and balanced palate. The wine opens with rich aromas of dark fruit that announce its concentration; at the same time, the mouthfeel remains composed, with well-integrated tannins and a layered fruit complexity, rather than excessive weight. Sourced from six dedicated hectares of vineyards, this bottling highlights the more refined and controlled side of the winery’s style, within a richer expressive register. Production is limited to 3,800 bottles.
94/100 BUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2020
Bold and richly extracted, the Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 stands out as the most oak-influenced wine in the company’s current portfolio, offering dark, voluptuous fruit complemented by notes of spice and aged tobacco. The sweet tannins and supple texture give the wine an approachable and charming personality, favouring generosity over austerity. The grapes come from 10 hectares of vineyards, with a total production limited to 5,200 bottles.