Mocali Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Tuscany, Italy

Wine Spectator 90 points! Raffaele Vecchione 93, Vinous 91, James Suckling 92 points!

Mocali Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful red wine gem from the outstanding 2016 Brunello vintage. Considered the king of Tuscan wines and one of the most renowned and long-lived red wines of Italy, Brunello is produced from a specific strain of Sangiovese (Sangiovese Grosso) grown in the unique microclimate surrounding the Tuscan town of Montalcino. The Mocali estate, acquired by the Ciacci family (distant relations to Ciacci Piccolomini) in the 1950s, is a setting of natural Tuscan beauty where vineyards and olive groves alternate with oak and pine forests. Situated to the southwest of Montalcino at an altitude of 300-350 meters above sea-level on the slopes facing Castiglione del Bosco, the Mocali estate is comprised of 32 hectares, 6 of which are specialized vineyards (5 hectares of Sangiovese grosso), and 4 dedicated to olive groves.

“Very hot and mature, the primary sensations of this young Brunello shows notes of strawberries, camphor, sour cherries, orange juice, face powder and cream cheese. A lot of withered rose petals describe the secondary scene giving pleasantness and character to the matrix. Full bodied, very soft tannins and a radiant, essential finale. Better from 2023.”—Raffaele Vecchione, WinesCritic.com, 93 points!

A dense, slightly rustic red, with burly tannins dominating plum, cherry, tamarind paste, earth and iron flavors. Manages to show fruit under those broad shoulders and isn't overly astringent, so give this a few years to integrate (or decant now). Best from 2026 through 2042. 4,200 cases made, 1,600 cases imported.” — BS, Wine Spectator, 90 points!

Enjoy Mocali Brunello di Montalcino with osso buco, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, and cheeses.