Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castel Giocondo 2015

This is a pure and beautiful Brunello with super fine and abundant tannins that are comprehensive and expansive. Builds on the palate. Full body. Round and firm with beautiful fruit and length. Lively and vivid. From organically grown grapes. Needs a year or two to soften, but already gorgeous.

96pts Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, violet, underbrush and warm spice emerge in the glass, along with a whiff of camphor. Full bodied and enveloping, the structured palate delivers raspberry jam, dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm fine-grained tannins. It closes on an espresso note.

Editor’s Choice

93pts Decanter

Current winemaker, Filippo Manni arrived at CastelGiocondo at the beginning of 2015. He brings precision to the winemaking, vinifying each of the estate’s plots separately then making a selection of these to determine the final blend. Out of 90-120 lots, only about half make the cut for the Brunello. The 2015 displays all of the richness and generosity of the vintage without veering into over-ripeness. Instead, freshness is preserved. Backing luscious cherries and plums, plenty of grainy tannins give well-defined shape. Fragrant mint and pepper impart lovely length to the finish. Drinking Window 2020 – 2030

93pts Wine Spectator

Bright, with cherry and berry fruit, shaded by almond, leather, tobacco and wild herb notes. Firm, dusty tannins gird the long finish. Combines power and grace. Best from 2023 through 2040.

Winemaker Notes

Brunello CastelGiocondo 2015 first appeals to the eye with its bright, rich ruby-red hue. On the nose, fruity notes dominate, ranging from raspberry to blackcurrant, with vague hints of blueberry. Elegant floral notes emerge, offering striking and surprising scents of violet. Spicy tertiary notes are then released, due to the lengthy ageing process. Cinnamon, pepper and leather combine in an experience of extreme elegance, finishing on a balsamic note. The wine envelops the mouth completely and impresses with its balance, its dense tannic texture and its minerality, as well as its long, persistent finish.