Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 2015

Brunello CastelGiocondo 2015 first appeals to the eye with its bright, rich ruby-red hue. On the nose, fruity notes dominate, ranging from raspberry to blackcurrant, with vague hints of blueberry. Elegant floral notes emerge, offering striking and surprising scents of violet. Spicy tertiary notes are then released, due to the lengthy ageing process. Cinnamon, pepper and leather combine in an experience of extreme elegance, finishing on a balsamic note. The wine envelops the mouth completely and impresses with its balance, its dense tannic texture and its minerality, as well as its long, persistent finish.

97 Points - James Suckling

This is a pure and beautiful Brunello with super fine and abundant tannins that are comprehensive and expansive. Builds on the palate. Full body. Round and firm with beautiful fruit and length. Lively and vivid. From organically grown grapes. Needs a year or two to soften, but already gorgeous.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, violet, underbrush and warm spice emerge in the glass, along with a whiff of camphor. Full bodied and enveloping, the structured palate delivers raspberry jam, dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm fine-grained tannins. It closes on an espresso note. *Editor's Choice*

93 Points - Decanter

Current winemaker, Filippo Manni arrived at CastelGiocondo at the beginning of 2015. He brings precision to the winemaking, vinifying each of the estate's plots separately then making a selection of these to determine the final blend. Out of 90-120 lots, only about half make the cut for the Brunello. The 2015 displays all of the richness and generosity of the vintage without veering into over-ripeness. Instead, freshness is preserved. Backing luscious cherries and plums, plenty of grainy tannins give well-defined shape. Fragrant mint and pepper impart lovely length to the finish. Drinking Window 2020 - 2030.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Bright, with cherry and berry fruit, shaded by almond, leather, tobacco and wild herb notes. Firm, dusty tannins gird the long finish. Combines power and grace. Best from 2023 through 2040.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steak.