The 2017 Sesti Brunello di Montalcino has some peppery, hot, spicy aromas with leafy, fresh green notes underneath and there is a little more creamy, spicy uptake of oak from this hot and very dry 2017 vintage. The aromas are beautifully translucent, clear and pure. On the palate it is a little firmer with a fine but dry, chalky quality to the tannins on the finish that feels a bit like crushed chalk in texture. The 2017 is more concentrated than the 2018 but also a little less expressive in terms of flavors. There are some dark cherry and bitter herb flavors and an attractive intensity and texture. It reflects the 2017 vintage in a perfectly limpid and clear way.
94 points, Susan Hulme, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)
From a small, biodynamically farmed estate in Montalcino’s southwestern sector, this Brunello opens on vibrant red cherry flavors edged with notes of orange peel and warm spices. It’s a midweight wine with firm tannins and hints of smoke that would match well with grilled portobello mushrooms.
93 points, Wine & Spirits (Apr 2023)
Rich fruit, like dried tangerines, cherries and figs on the nose, with mushrooms and chocolate, too. Full-bodied, dense and ripe with firm and broad tannins. Bold and flavorful. Unfiltered. Better from 2024.
93 points, James Suckling (Dec 2022)
The Sesti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a fine garnet color with medium richness. In terms of aromas, you get dried cherry, blackcurrant, spice, tar and camphor ash. The aromas are presented with extra intentional emphasis in this hot vintage that saw an accumulation of sugar and tannins in the berries. Sangiovese kicks in with its naturally high acidity that serves to counter and break up some of that power. 12,800 bottles were produced.
92 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Feb 2022)
Camphor, forest floor and tobacco aromas come to the forefront. It's full-bodied, with savory flavors including dried cherry, blood orange and licorice set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2029.
92 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2022)
At the southern edge of the Montalcino zone, Sesti’s vineyards are on the east side of the property sloping toward Monte Amiata. They are well-ventilated by sea breezes and the surrounding Mediterranean woodlands help cool them in hot vintages like 2017. Preserved strawberries and cherries are laced with orange and exotic helichrysum flowers. This is surprisingly trim and linear on the palate. Subtly textured tannins guide the wine effortlessly across the palate. Accents of tamarind grace the finish.
92 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Nov 2021)