Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Reviews
Learn More About Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Through its Reviews.
2018 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Reviews
97 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Camphor, forest berry, dark spice, and new leather aromas form the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and radiant, the linear, vibrant palate delivers ripe red cherry, pomegranate, ground clove, and peppercorn set against a backbone of bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. What a beauty.”
95 Pointz Wine Spectator
“Rose, strawberry, and cherry aromas and flavors are the main themes in this red, along with wild herb, mineral, and cut hay accents. Racy and full of energy, with a long, saturated finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.”
94 Pointz Jeb Dunnuck
“Pure and noble, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is compelling in its expressive layers yet remains transparent, with aromas of fresh leather, red cherry, cedar, anise, and fresh pine all intertwining. It is medium-bodied but fills out with wonderful purity in its notes of blood orange, raspberry, saline minerals, and mouthwatering acidity. It is a gorgeous wine to hold another couple of years.”
94 Pointz James Suckling
“A bright and fresh 2018 with cherry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium body, refined tannins, and a linear finish with bright acidity. Tangy and energetic. Tight at the end. A year or two will open it, but already a beauty.”
94 Pointz Wine & Spirits
“Scents of fresh rose petals unfurl in the glass, signaling a high-toned Brunello that is packed with tangy red cherry and berry flavors. There’s plenty of power and depth here, but also a delicacy in the intense floral aromas and finely honed tannins that combine immediate appeal with excellent aging potential.”
93 Pointz Wine Advocate
“With the black label, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals dried fruit aromas with cola, grilled herb, candied orange peel and earthy clay. This is a mid-weight Brunello with silky tannins and a long finish. It displays a savory and spicy personality with hints of dried fruit and baked plum that add a fleeting point of sweetness. This is an approachable Brunello to drink over the next 10 years.”
92 Pointz Vinous
“The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a dark and balsamic blend of black cherries, worn leather, and savory herbs. This is soft-textured and supple on the palate, gaining tension through a mix of tart wild berries and nuances of sour citrus, as a hint of sage adds contrast toward the close. It finishes grippy and long, leaving a staining of primary concentration to linger, as tarry red currants and hints of graphite linger on. The 2018 is currently wrapped up tightly in its youthful state, demanding cellaring to reveal its charms.”
Bonus Reviews
United Kingdom
93 Pointz Decanter
“Argiano is back on track with this excellent value 2018 Brunello. Packed with flavour, it shows the vintage well: while colour is scarce - pale garnet in hue - aromas are vivacious and enticing with spiced cherry and Mediterranean flowers bursting from the glass. Midweight and fluid, it belies the vineyards’ warm southern location. Tannins are fine and layered, with a chalky texture. While the estate did come out with its Vigna del Suolo selection, there will not be a Riserva bottling of 2018.”
2017 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Reviews
94 Pointz James Suckling
“Very attractive floral and fresh aromas to the plums and cherries, following through to the palate. Flavorful and gorgeous, yet lively and focused. Lovely 2017. Drink now or hold.”
94 Pointz Wine & Spirits
“A cool mineral tone runs through this wine like a silver streak, Energizing the vivid red fruit and black cherry flavors and trailing notes of licorice, tarragon, and subtle black spices. Despite the warming dry 2017 vintage, The wine’s aromatics are precise and lifted, revealing scents of rose petal and violet with exposure to the air. The flavors gain energy over several days while maintaining that firm minerality that makes this wine so appealing.”
93 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of considerable bandwidth with lots of dark fruit, rich plum, and spice. It carries medium fruit weight and concentration that proves more than enough to surround and soften the spicy oak notes and toast that also play an important role in this hot-vintage Brunello. The results are plump and slightly round, but you also get the acidity and the tannic structure of an age-worthy Sangiovese. Organically farmed fruit is selected from across the best parcels of the estate, and some of the vines are up to 55 years old. Production is 130,000 bottles, and I would recommend setting this bottle aside for near- to medium-term drinking.”
92 Pointz Vinous
“The 2017 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is incredibly exotic in both spice and floral tones, and an intense wave of cherry and raspberry preserves mixes with hints of tangerine and cocoa that pull you close. This is so deep and fleshy yet energetic in feel, boasting a core of bright acidity that enlivens the experience and motivates the tart wild berries, zesty citrus, and inner rose tones. Light tannins linger, yet the 2017 remains juicy and fun, delivering gobs of immediate pleasure though lasting notes of red currant, licorice, and clove. Sadly, there will be no Vigna del Suolo from 2017, as all of that juice was added to bolster the Brunello. Even so, production was down by 35%.”
92 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Scents of crushed mint, woodland berries, and new leather come to the forefront along with a whiff of violet. The full-bodied palate features cherry marinated in spirits, licorice, and a hint of coffee bean alongside firm, refined tannins. Drink 2024–2029.”
92 Pointz Wine Spectator
“The 2017 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of considerable bandwidth with lots of dark fruit, rich plum, and spice. It carries medium fruit weight and concentration that proves more than enough to surround and soften the spicy oak notes and toast that also play an important role in this hot-vintage Brunello. The results are plump and slightly round, but you also get the acidity and the tannic structure of an age-worthy Sangiovese. Organically farmed fruit is selected from across the best parcels of the estate, and some of the vines are up to 55 years old. Production is 130,000 bottles, and I would recommend setting this bottle aside for near- to medium-term drinking.”
2016 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Reviews
97 Pointz James Suckling
“A very polished red with cloves and caramel, on top of black cherries, mushrooms, and forest floor. Black olives, too. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and lovely depth all the way through. Lightly chewy. Juicy black cherries and savory black-olive character. Complex.”
96 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Editors' Choice'
“This fragrant red opens with heady scents of blue flower, star anise, camphor, and new leather. Still young and primary, it delivers juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, licorice, and tobacco supported by a backbone of refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it energized and balanced.”
94 Pointz Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Brunello has lifted aromas of confected raspberry fruit, crushed roses, cedar, and sweet licorice. The palate opens with ripe red plum, cocoa, and dried herbs, with velvety tannins. The 2016 is an elegant wine with approachability and finesse. Argiano practices organic farming with a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity both in the vineyard and in the cellar.”
94 Pointz Vinous
“The 2016 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows sweet herbs and tobacco with hints of mocha and cedar spice box. It’s silky in texture, coasting across a medium-bodied frame while giving way to tart red berries, with grippy tannins mounting toward the close. A cooling wave of minty herbs and licorice adds much-needed freshness, bringing the 2016 into balance throughout the youthfully structured finale. While this was hard to read and quite backward upon opening, it blossomed beautifully in the glass over time.”
94 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows a lovely transparency to its appearance and follows with lifted red fruit aromas, cassis, wild cherry, and blue flower. It is made with a simple approach, fermented in cement tank and aged slowly in oak, and the fruit comes from a 22-hectare site with limestone marl soils. It delivers a lightness and a weightlessness that is not often ascribed to this vintage. No worries, the power of 2016 comes through at the very end in terms of tannins and structure. This ample release of 115,000 bottles will be ready to drink after 2023 when the wine has had time to open and flesh out. “
Bonus Reviews
United Kingdom
97 Pointz Decanter
“Exuberant nose showing aromas of strawberry, black cherry, and hazelnut and notes of orange peel and tobacco. Perfect rightness on the palate With fine grained tannins and a long-lasting finish.”
2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Reviews
95 Pointz James Suckling
“Very floral on the nose with plums, rose petals, and freshly sliced porcini mushrooms. The palate is tight and compressed with beautiful ripe fruit, wet earth, and cool, stone flavors. A structured and impressive wine.”
95 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“This is a terrific wine and one of the new releases from Montalcino that I happily include on a short list of top recommendations. The 2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows a very lively bouquet that is already singing despite the young age of this new release. The wine opens to a dark ruby color with garnet highlights. The bouquet shows a large span of wild berry, earth, licorice spice, and medicinal herb aromas. This vintage also reveals a pretty floral character with dried rose potpourri and lavender buds. After fermentation, the wine is aged slowly for 30 months in large oak botte (including 10-, 30- and 50-hectoliter capacity), thus restricting oxygen and gently slowing its evolution. However, the 2015 vintage is naturally expressive and exuberant, and that's the main takeaway here.”
93 Pointz Vinous
“The 2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows dusty black cherry, complemented by sweet spices and herbs, as hints of dried orange, leather, and dusty earth that forward. On the palate, I find velvety textures, ushering in ripe red and black fruits; yet there’s a wonderful balance here, as the wine is lifted by brisk acids, and a mix of savory, spice, and minerals notes. The finish is long and structured, buzzing with mouthwatering acid and spice, as dried cherry lingers amidst a coating of youthful tannin. The 2015 Argiano is just a baby, slowly shaking off the wood it was aged in, and it is perfectly balanced.”
93 Pointz Wine Spectator
“Focused cherry and plum flavors mark this rich red, with a hint of orange peel. Flashes of earth, leather, and iron lend complexity, while the firm structure adds grip. Exhibits fine balance and length. Given the fruit, this should be approachable soon.”
92 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, tobacco, forest floor, and camphor waft out of the glass. The tightly wound, linear palate evokes mature Morello cherry, licorice, and an earthy hint of game while dried thyme and a rusty iron note provide backup.”
Bonus Reviews
United Kingdom
97 Pointz Decanter
What's often forgotten in the general hubbub which surrounds Brunello di Montalcino is that this DOCG circumscribes the area of Tuscany where Sangiovese ripens more amply and more beguilingly than anywhere else - though of course this is a grape variety whose resource is such that differences of ripening spectrum based on site do nothing but add to its nuance and appeal. If you want to get a fix on the sheer, disarming loveliness of that ample ripeness, try this wine: glowing, almost exotic fruits, with a little incense spice creeping into the mix, then glowing, soft-textured flavours which brim with summer's end and autumn's plenty: ripe plums and berries, autumn leaves, some wild mushroom fragrance and the dark spices which hint at Christmas to come.”
2014 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
92 Pointz James Suckling
“Love the aromas of flowers and strawberries with cherries that follow through to a medium body, firm and silky tannins, and a juicy finish. A nice combination of savory character and fresh acidity. Drink or hold.”
91 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2014 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is visibly thinner and leaner compared to any other past vintage that comes to mind. The aromas are stripped down as well, but I do think there is a good chance that they will flesh out with more time in the bottle. Brunello tends to be at its thinnest drinking point upon its initial commercial release. Another 12 months should be of considerable help and I don't reject the idea that this wine will take on more volume in as little as 6 to 12 months.
88 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of coconut, French oak, and red berry carry over to the rather lean palate along with dried sour cherry, espresso, and exotic spice. Bright acidity and dusty, drying tannins provide the setting.”
Really Coconut, in all my time in the business, I never thought of coconut flavors when tasting Brunello di Montalcino!!!
2013 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
96 Pointz James Suckling
“Fantastic aromas of orange peel and dark berry with plenty of plum and cherry. Sweet tobacco and mushrooms. Full body, juicy, and fruity with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Complex and gorgeous. Fine and very long. Drink now.”
93 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino shows laser focus and a precise delivery of aromas that makes an immediate and satisfying first impression. This is a delicately assembled wine that shows the deft hand of the winemaking team behind the scenes. Bright fruit and cherry is connected, in a careful embroidery, to spice, leather, tar, and cured tobacco. There are subtle tones of ash and crushed mineral as well.”
93 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Chopped herbs, new leather, underbrush, and a whiff of star anise lead the nose. The firmly structured, chewy palate delivers ripe blackberry, juicy Marasca cherry, licorice, and a dollop of vanilla set against a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2021-2028.”
93 Pointz Wine Spectator
“An elegant style, offering ripe cherry, plum, leather, almond, and subtle chocolate flavors. Harmonious and long, with an aftertaste evoking cherry, iron, and tobacco. Fine balance.”
2012 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
96 Pointz James Suckling
“Fantastically complex aromas of spices, dried flowers, and plums follow through to a full body, integrated and polished tannins, and a superb finish. This is a 2012 Brunello with it all. Drink in 2018.”
94 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The Argiano 2012 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job of interpreting the vintage and of showcasing its special microclimate on the southern flank of the Montalcino appellation. Both these elements point to warm-climate Sangiovese. and Argiano accepts that challenge with creativity and expertise. This is a proud expression of the grape with thick texture, determination, and a succulent approach. Aromas of dark cherry, moist earth, tobacco, and grilled herb lift from the bouquet. Bright acidity marks the close. The wine still carries its baby fat and needs a few more years of cellar aging in order to fully express itself. Argiano is one of the most important estates in Montalcino. It is located in the southwest quadrant and sees most of its vineyards at 300 meters above sea level, on a flat plateau with beautiful views and a protected microclimate. The Amiata mountain in the distance blocks much of the incoming bad weather. One area of the estate has heavy clay soils. International grapes are planted here. Sangiovese (clone M1) is also planted here in part. Other Sangiovese vines make their home in light, calcareous soils that help enhance aromas... Argiano started organic farming in 2012 and earned its certificate last year.”
93 Pointz Wine Spectator
“An elegant style, displaying cherry, currant, tobacco, and earth flavors. The tannins are present yet integrated. This leaves a lasting impression of balance and sweet fruit. Best from 2019 through 2032.”
92 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of toast, dark spice, dried tobacco leaf, and forest floor take shape in the glass. On the chewy, full-bodied palate, notes of black pepper, clove, and espresso accent a core of dried black cherry while firm tightly-knit tannins and fresh acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2019–2027.”
2011 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
93 Pointz James Suckling
“Lots of earth, spice, and plum aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, soft, and round. Lovely savory finish. Hints of smoky oak and ripe fruit on the finish. Nice successor to the great 2010. Drink or hold.”
93 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Argiano is among the top producers in Tuscany and the estate's 2011 Brunello di Montalcino offers a glimpse into its formula for success. This is a balanced and forthcoming wine that puts equal emphasis on primary aromas of fresh berry and secondary aromas of oak spice and smoke. The two components suggest careful work in both the vineyard and the winery in what was not always an easy vintage. If Argiano experienced any hardship in 2011, you most certainly would not know, judging from this spectacular wine. I also would like to point out the quality achieved with the tannins and the brightness of the acidity. These characteristics suggest that this wine should hold longer than many of its peers. Drink through 2030.”
90 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Coffee, toast, nut, forest floor, and fleshy plum aromas waft out of the glass. The big, round palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice, and chopped herb alongside ripe, loosely knit tannins. It's straightforward for a Brunello but it has a juicy, immediate appeal. Drink now through 2020.”
2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
98 Pointz James Suckling
“An unforgiving and powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled meat and granite stone character with dried berry and flower petal. Full body, chewy and intense. Great structure and extremely long and intense. Sexy austerity. Gets the juices going. Best ever from here. Reminds me of the great Argianos of the 1970s but now! “
95 Points Stephen Tanzer’s
International Wine Review
“The 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is an absolutely stunning effort, offering gorgeous aromas of freshly crushed dark cherries and blackberries along with sweet spices, fresh floral, and minerals which are beautifully layered in the glass. This full-bodied Brunello shows notable depth and structure, continuing to impress with its gorgeous velvety texture all the way through the finish. Today, the wine is quite accessible with extended air contact, but readers may want to consider allowing some additional bottle age as it will also prove to be age worthy.”
95 Pointz Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Aged for 24 months in oak, the gorgeous 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is a brooding, dark wine with great aromatic purity. The fruit tones are rich and penetrating, spanning from plum, prune, and cassis to spice cake, tar, and black licorice. The wine's concentration is luscious and opulent. The oak element imparts lasting aromas of spice, toast, and caramel but the wine already shows a good degree of integration that should help it continue its bottle evolution.”
94 Pointz Vinous
“The 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino jumps from the glass with notable energy and precision. Grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco, rose petal, and mint are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Distinctly savory and mineral notes add complexity to the expressive, stone-inflected fruit in a chiseled, pulsating Brunello endowed with considerable energy. The tannins need time to soften, but Argiano's 2010 is unquestionably a winner.”
93 Pointz Wine Spectator
Highly Recommended
“Dense and beefy, featuring a core of cherry, augmented by tobacco, spice, and earth flavors. Feels like it may be closing down, but all the components are there. Long finish.”
92 Pointz Wine Enthusiast
“Underbrush, savory herb, leather, and dark skinned fruit aromas mingle in the glass. The firm, structured palate delivers mature plum, black cherry, vanilla, licorice, and a confectionary note alongside assertive tannins.”
91 Pointz Wine & Spirits
“Smoked almond and roasted coffee notes weave through dense blackberry and plum flavors, giving this a dark and dusky character that’s enlivened by vanilla, clove, anise, and sage. The flavors take a savory turn on the finish, with a plum tomato tang—a good match for Bolognese sauce.”