La Colombina Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018

This vintage of La Colombina Brunello di Montalcino strikes a harmonious balance between power and elegance. Aromas of ripe red berries, anise, and leather unfold on the nose, accompanied by earthy undertones and a touch of dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is soft and rounded, showcasing flavors of wild plum, spiced cherries, and subtle hints of citrus zest. A savory, slightly saline character lingers through the finish, supported by refined tannins and a rustic edge of brown spices. Best enjoyed now or in the near term, it pairs beautifully with rich meat dishes, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.

La Colombina is a small yet acclaimed estate in southern Montalcino, known for its traditional winemaking techniques and dedication to crafting expressive Brunellos. Nestled near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, the vineyards benefit from a unique terroir of clay and limestone soils, paired with a microclimate ideal for Sangiovese. The family-run winery emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and a balance of modern precision with classic aging methods, producing wines that reflect the distinct character of their land.

Wine Reviews:

• Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: "The nose offers luxurious aromas that recall the end of a leisurely meal, from coffee to anise liqueur to chocolate and dried figs, with a warm, metallic edge of crushed rocks and tar that define a slightly more reserved palate, contoured further by austere tannins."
• Vinous, 90 points: "Sweet violets and roses giving way to crushed plums and flowery underbrush form a nuanced and inviting bouquet as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino unfolds in the glass. It's soft, round and built on purity. There's a saline tinge to its wild berry fruits as a subtle tug of sour citrus adds contrast. The 2018 finishes lightly tannic, savory and almost salty in character, with a touch of brown spice that adds a bit of a rustic flair. While quite enjoyable, the 2018 will be best consumed over the short term. It's a thoroughly balanced Brunello, yet the finish gives me pause from an aging standpoint." – Eric Guido, March 2023
• Wine Advocate, 89 points: "The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino comes up short in terms of fruity freshness and instead offers evolved tones that recall dried cherry, tar, leather and campfire ash. It feels driven by oak aging, with drying tannins and a streamlined mouthfeel that concludes with a hint of dark fruit astringency. Production is 16,000 bottles." – Monica Larner, March 2023