2019 Armilla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

100% organic Sangiovese Grosso from a six acre vineyard planted in 1982. Fermentation and maceration in steel tanks for about three weeks before two and a half years in neutral oak. Elegant and understated for Brunello. Classic Sangiovese aromas of forest floor, violet, leather and dark spice mixed with whiffs of cedar. The cedar note carries over to the polished, full-bodied palate along with cherry tart, raspberry compote, licorice and a hint of salinity. A backbone of firm, velvety tannins provides seamless support. Decant to drink now or age for up to the next 15 years.

Armilla is a small, 4.5 hectare family run estate located in Tavernelle, a tiny village southwest of Montalcino proper. It was purchased in 1980 by Silverio and Marchetti as a retirement project. The family planted vineyards and built a small winery, and began to produce wines, although initially it could not be called Brunello because it was outside of the DOCG zone at the time. In 1995, the land was included in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and the family (daughters Ilaria and Fiorella, and their children Nicola and Giacomo) joined the business. Unfortunately, Silverio died in 1997 before the first bottle was sold; however, the rest of the family has carried on the winery in his memory.

93 points, Wine Advocate. "The Armilla 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows an understated character that gives this carefully crafted wine an especially elegant approach. It displays dried forest berry, cassis, earthy iris root, pressed violet and toasted spice, thanks to 28 months in large oak barrel. There is a moment of sweetness on the mid-palate, and the wine ends with fine, chalky tannins. Some 11,000 bottles are hitting the market now. ML"

93 points, James Suckling. "Aromas of flowers, forest floor, mushrooms and black cherries follow through to a medium body with juicy tannins and a savory finish. Tense and polished. Needs two or three years to come together."