2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
'Ask anyone who farmed Sangiovese that year. They will tell you: fruit has never been more beautiful than it was in the picture-perfect 2015 vintage.' - Monica Larner, robertparker.com
The 2015 vintage in Montalcino is easily the most eagerly awaited since 2010. It has been described by the critics as a 'fairy-tale vintage' and 'picture-perfect'. The growing season was characterised by just the right amount of rain falling at just the right time. This played a key role in allowing the vines to survive a long warm summer without shutting down. The heat of the summer was further ameliorated by cool nights, with an unusually large diurnal range. This progressive, undisturbed ripening allowed Argiano to harvest perfect fruit in relative leisure during the first week of October.
Of course you need to be prepared to make the most of such a bountiful vintage. Since André Esteves purchased the estate in 2013 the funding taps have been opened. Crucially work started in the vineyards. Detailed mapping of the limestone and clay soils and a conversion to organic viticulture were an immediate priority with 2015 being the first officially organic vintage at the estate. New cellars have been built and the impressive 16th century villa fully restored.
You would think all this investment would come at a price, but you would be wrong. Argiano remains resolutely well priced and the 2015 Brunello's generosity of character looks to provide great pleasure in its youth but with the stuffing to allow it to age gracefully. They have also released the 2017 edition of their super-Tuscan, Solengo. 2017 was a dramatic vintage of frosts, hail and heat, resulting in a very small crop but a high quality mineral, focused wine. /EE
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available Spring 2020
