2017 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml)

Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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“Don’t make the mistake of missing out on some of the magic that the 2017 vintage has created.”

Eric Guido, Vinous

Producing consistently outstanding Brunello year in and year out, the elegant 95 pt. 2017 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino is another winning release from one of the region’s most esteemed producers, boasting fragrant aromas and fleshy, ripe fruit with velvety tannins and a persistent finish, described as “just crazy enjoyable” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson for Brunello fans to enjoy over the next decade or more at an easy to reach for price.

Dominated by an ancient 12^th century castle, the historic Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo estate was among the first to produce Brunello di Montalcino over two centuries ago, the massive 235 hectare property situated in the rolling hills southwest of Montalcino. Spanning 151 hectares in the Brunello DOCG, the vineyards are located at altitudes from 250 to 450 meters surrounded by dense forests and planted in a mix of soils containing clay, limestone and sandstone. Vinifying each unique parcel separately with only about half of the 100 plus parcels making the final cut for the Brunello, winemaker Filippo Manni aged the 2017 Castelgiocondo Brunello for 2 years in Slavonian oak casks, then 2 years in French oak barriques and 4 months in bottle, yielding energetic spiced fruit with stony minerality and balanced acidity structured to age.

A beautifully harmonious Brunello described as “totally captivating” by Decanter’s Georgina Hindle, the impressive 95 pt. 2017 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino offers a rare combination of quality and value, an exceptional Brunello worthy of laying down by the case that’s unbeatably priced to enjoy often over the coming years.

95JA

95D

93WA

93JS

The minute you hover your nose over the gunsmoke, soy and dried roses aromatics of this glass you know how good it is, just crazy enjoyable. Brilliant quality, liqourice, tobacco, soft leather, and raspberry jam. Signature Brunello. Adored it last year, and it is holding the line even in a less celebrated vintage. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400m in altitude. Fermentation in stainless steel, ageing in barrels then bottles for a total of five years.

95 points, Jane Anson (Sep 2022)

Supple and generous in terms of acidity, crushed velvet-textured tannins and herbal-edged red berry fruit - mouth filling and lively. This has character and definition, so youthful still, with tannins on the ripe, grippy side but there is nice underlying spice and touches of bitter orange peel, cinnamon and toasted cedar alongside more delicate rose and violet floral elements all of which come in waves presenting themselves one after the other building to a harmonious and characterful crescendo on the finish. Structured and persistent with depth and lasting power. Totally captivating.

95 points, Decanter

The Frescobaldi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo is one of those wines that has seen slight tweaks and stylistic changes over the past 10 years, going from an abundant, large-scale generic Tuscan red to a more subdued and authentic interpretation of the cool Montalcino territory. I'd say that the transition has been smooth and not obvious, unless you were especially attentive. Despite the hot-vintage character of this sample, the wine freely dispenses of wild berry, crushed stone and red rose aromas. This is an ambitious production of 300,000 bottles.

93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Feb 2022)

Dark-cherry and walnut aromas with some dried flowers . Cedar comes through as well. It’s full-bodied with round, juicy tannins. Needs some time to soften. Better after 2023.

93 points, James Suckling (Nov 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$49.98

Compare At: $59.99

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