I just love the nose on the fantastic Armilla 2019 Brunello, with its classic Sangiovese aromas of forest floor, violet, leather and dark spice mixed with whiffs of cedar. The cedar note carries over to the polished, full-bodied palate along with cherry tart, raspberry compote, licorice and a hint of salinity. A backbone of firm, velvety tannins provides seamless support. Drink 2028–2039. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe | 96 KOThe Armilla 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows an understated character that gives this carefully crafted wine an especially elegant approach. It displays dried forest berry, cassis, earthy iris root, pressed violet and toasted spice, thanks to 28 months in large oak barrel. There is a moment of sweetness on the mid-palate, and the wine ends with fine, chalky tannins. Some 11,000 bottles are hitting the market now.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93 RPAromas of flowers, forest floor, mushrooms and black cherries follow through to a medium body with juicy tannins and a savory finish. Tense and polished. Needs two or three years to come together.James Suckling | 93 JSThis tiny estate in Montalcino’s southwest turns out limited quantities of Brunello from vineyards planted in 1982. In 2019, the Brunello harvest began on 20 September. Given the even maturity of the grapes and richness in polyphenols, the winemaking team gave a slightly longer maceration – five days more than in 2018. The resulting wine demonstrates greater volume and density than recent previous releases along with palpable ripeness. On the nose, preserved plum is tinged with mint and allspice. The palate follows up with strawberry compote and salted chocolate. Tangy acidity is well-placed in this broader styled Brunello. Generously extracted tannins and discernible warming alcohol could do with another year to digest.Decanter | 91 DEC
