Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

The Vallone family, some of our very favorite Tuscan peeps, continue to impress and this Brunello Riserva is without question one of the finest in their history. We held this back a couple of years – patiently awaiting the power and structure of this bold 2015 Riserva to saunter into its ideal drinking window...that time is NOW!

The Vallone family moved to Montalcino in the 1990s when Pasquale, a former bank manager, caught the wine bug and fell head over heels in love with a spectacular estate just 10 kilometers south of Montalcino. In the hamlet of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, one the slopes below the historic hilltop Castelo di Velona, the Vallone family’s Terre Nere estate stretches over 15 ha (37 acres) at an elevation of 280 meters. The vineyards are set among the sloping hillsides, growing on a unique and mineral-rich dark galestro soil – infused here with the volcanic remnants of the extinct Amiata volcano. This almost black soil is what grants the winery its name.

Their first vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was in 2002, and they’ve quickly risen the ranks to become a top producer in Tuscany. Go ahead and google their scores for yourself! We’ve been direct-importing them for years, but in the amazing 2015 vintage, they’ve crafted something truly spectacular! If you scored some of the 2016, you can expect something similar, but with more pronounced tannin structure that will stand as one of the most age-worthy Brunellos in any collection! This 2015 Riserva is 100% sangiovese and made from a selection of the best plots (each plot is vinified separately) throughout their five distinct parcels on the estate. (They have a sixth, planted to 1 hectare of cabernet sauvignon). The wine ages for 36 months in 30 and 50 hl Slovenian oak barrels, with only a tiny 250 cases bottled of this special reserve wine.

The wine showcases the pedigree, richness, and power of the heralded 2015 vintage supremely well – with aromas of dried and fresh cherries, sappy balsamic reduction, and roasted lavender and thyme. The mouthfeel is luxuriously svelte and mineral-driven, with volcanic notes accompanying savory red plums, and kirsch, with black pepper, Earl Grey tea, wild fennel, and savory, meaty iron ore. The extended oak aging provides ample structure, and an intensity of length that assures this wine will continue to be a stalwart example of one of Brunello’s best vintages ever – even two-plus decades from now. It has taken a few years to really integrate and show its potential, and here – now nine years since harvest – it is harmoniously balanced, exceptionally concentrated, and absolutely worthy to drink now with a quick decant and a vigorous swirl in your glass. We got all that they would sell us, but man, we sure wish we had more! 95 POINT Brunello Riserva for UNDER $55?! That is an absolute steal – and you won’t want to miss this!

PAIRING IDEAS: Know what does NOT sound delicious? Grilled spinalis dorsi. But when you call it ribeye cap...suddenly you have one of the most sought-after, succulent, and tasty cuts of beef there is...keep it simple, just season with salt, sear hot and fast, then finish to med-rare with a butter, black pepper, and thyme basting session. This morsel is so good - it rarely makes the journey from the cutting board to the plate, so keep your wine close by!