There have been many impressive Brunellos from the wonderful 2019 vintage, but we have to turn the spotlight now to iconic producer and longtime Hi-Time favorite, Lisini! The Lisini-Clementi family has held their estate since the 1500s, and they're entwined with the history of Brunello and its path to icon status. That's why it's befitting that their 2019 Brunello di Montalcino received such stellar reviews from Italian wine critic and author, Kerin O'Keefe (98 Points), and Wine Spectator (97 Points)! The best news is that it's still a great value for the character and quality it brings to the table.
Coming from the hills surrounding the picturesque Tuscan town of Montalcino, Brunellos are a powerful expression of the Sangiovese grape, with generous breadth and tannic framing. But the better of them also carry provocative depths of aromatic complexity that unfurl gradually over time. That's where Lisini shines! Their estate lies near the town of Sant'Angelo in Colle, perched amongst the oak-forested hills above the broad Orcia River valley, a refuge from the hot, dry climate here at the southern edge of Montalcino. It's here that you can find a rich and rounded style of Brunello, but with an enthralling aromatic freshness and minerality that lower-lying areas can lack.
Thanks to their thoughtful winemaking, and the fantastic vintage, Lisini's 2019 Brunello is already an absolute pleasure to drink! To help tame the wine's powerful structure and develop a deeper well of flavors, Lisini ages their classic Brunello for around 3½ long years in the large barrels of Slavonian oak that are traditional in Italy. The fine-grained tannins emerge from the suave fruit texture like an infusion of mineral sensations that coat, caress and softly grip the palate. This will really shine with flavor-rich dishes made with savory, umami ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms and red meats! Like any Brunello, it will reward your patience with a little time in the decanter (about an hour or so for this one), or a few more years in your collection. Don't miss this one!
KERIN O'KEEFE 98 POINTS - "The Lisini 2019 Brunello is compelling, starting with its captivating aromas of fragrant blue flower, hay, perfumed berry, dark exotic spice, new leather and aromatic herb. It’s also delicious, delivering a great depth of flavors including juicy Morello cherry, raspberry croissant, licorice and crushed mint before a blood orange close. A backbone of velvety tannins provides seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. What a gorgeous wine and the best Brunello I’ve had so far from this historic estate."
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Leafy underbrush, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavors in this succulent red, which is supple, with a layer of chewy, chalky tannins coating the finish. Balanced overall, with a long, cherry-infused aftertaste."
Coming from the hills surrounding the picturesque Tuscan town of Montalcino, Brunellos are a powerful expression of the Sangiovese grape, with generous breadth and tannic framing. But the better of them also carry provocative depths of aromatic complexity that unfurl gradually over time. That's where Lisini shines! Their estate lies near the town of Sant'Angelo in Colle, perched amongst the oak-forested hills above the broad Orcia River valley, a refuge from the hot, dry climate here at the southern edge of Montalcino. It's here that you can find a rich and rounded style of Brunello, but with an enthralling aromatic freshness and minerality that lower-lying areas can lack.
Thanks to their thoughtful winemaking, and the fantastic vintage, Lisini's 2019 Brunello is already an absolute pleasure to drink! To help tame the wine's powerful structure and develop a deeper well of flavors, Lisini ages their classic Brunello for around 3½ long years in the large barrels of Slavonian oak that are traditional in Italy. The fine-grained tannins emerge from the suave fruit texture like an infusion of mineral sensations that coat, caress and softly grip the palate. This will really shine with flavor-rich dishes made with savory, umami ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms and red meats! Like any Brunello, it will reward your patience with a little time in the decanter (about an hour or so for this one), or a few more years in your collection. Don't miss this one!
KERIN O'KEEFE 98 POINTS - "The Lisini 2019 Brunello is compelling, starting with its captivating aromas of fragrant blue flower, hay, perfumed berry, dark exotic spice, new leather and aromatic herb. It’s also delicious, delivering a great depth of flavors including juicy Morello cherry, raspberry croissant, licorice and crushed mint before a blood orange close. A backbone of velvety tannins provides seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. What a gorgeous wine and the best Brunello I’ve had so far from this historic estate."
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Leafy underbrush, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavors in this succulent red, which is supple, with a layer of chewy, chalky tannins coating the finish. Balanced overall, with a long, cherry-infused aftertaste."
