2017 Franco Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino [D95][WE95][JS93][V92]

Producer: Franco Pacenti 
Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  
Varietal: Sangiovese 
Year: 2017 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"Franco Pacenti’s vineyards are located in the north-east with an altitude of around 300 meters above sea level and rest at the foot of the Montalcino hill. This wine is the company’s flagship. A medium-long fermentation on pomace, with frequent pumping of the wine over the cap. Ageing will take place in medium-large Slavonian and French oak barrels for over 30 months. Finally over 4 months of bottle ageing will be needed. Andrea Briccarello: Kirsch liqueur with some cinnamon and star anise spice notes on the nose. Very sweet and ripe fruits on the plate, plenty of jammy notes with firm tannins and a meaty, savoury finish. Michael Garner: Dense, maturing ruby garnet. Peppery and full with seasoned oak notes to cherry menthol aromas. Broad, ripe juicy and fleshy palate of good intensity, balanced and long with promising aromatic development." 

Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points 

"Truffle, carob and scorched soil aromas meld with scents of baked plum and mint. Concentrated and full bodied, the chewy palate doles out ripe black cherry, blackberry and baking spice alongside taut, velvety tannins that lead to a firm finish." 

James Suckling, 93 Points 

"Beautiful ripe cherries and raspberries with some dust and spice. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tangy acidity. Drink or hold." 

Vinous, 92 Points 

"Bright red-ruby. Slightly reticent on the nose and palate, with noteworthy minerality to the raspberry and licorice flavors. Tightly wound but still very sweet, though less austere than usual for this wine at this stage. The long suave finish hints at herbs and bitter chocolate." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.