The 2018 Pieve Santa Restituta (by Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is a distinguished red wine crafted from Sangiovese Grosso grapes in the renowned Tuscany region of Italy, specifically in Brunello di Montalcino. This vintage has garnered significant attention from critics and holds an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a score of 96, praising its "gorgeous concentration and length" complemented by "aromas of black licorice, wild raspberry, smoky cedar, and sweet Mediterranean herbs." He noted its "exceptional balance between elegance, weightless feel, and noble tension," advising that it will reach its optimal drinking window between 2025 and 2045 (jebdunnuck.com, 3/6/2023).
Decanter also rated the 2018 Sugarille highly with a score of 95. The review highlights its "dense, rich character" and "dark cherry and black plum" flavors, accentuated by "bitter herbs, tobacco, and wet stone." The sturdy tannins and "tantalizing acidity" make it a strong contender for aging, recommendable for consumption from 2025 to 2037 (Decanter, 11/10/2022).
Vinous echoed similar sentiments, awarding a 95 score and describing the wine as having a "spicy yet wonderfully lifted bouquet," with notes of "flinty stone and dried black cherries." The review commends its "impeccable balance and regal structure" and a lingering finish of "ripe wild berries and plum" (Vinous, 12/1/2022).
Wine & Spirits gave another 95 score, noting the wine’s "juicy red cherry and raspberry flavors" and "supple tannins" that bring out its precision and depth. The reviewer highlighted the wine’s aging potential, despite the 2018 vintage's challenging growing conditions (Wine & Spirits, 4/1/2023).
Wine Spectator also rated the wine 95, focusing on its "dark, brooding" nature with flavors of "cherry and plum" and accents of "smoke, vanilla, iron, and tar." It suggested a best drinking window from 2025 through 2043 (Wine Spectator, 9/30/2023).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate praised its "extra richness and textural weight," awarding it 95+. This review noted its "dark fruit, balsam herb and pencil shavings," advising more time for aging for optimal enjoyment (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 3/9/2023).
James Suckling gave the highest score of 96, describing it as "beautifully open" with "very fine, silky tannins" and a "long, seamless finish." He highlighted its "lovely purity of fruit" and recommended drinking from 2024 onwards (jamessuckling.com, 11/10/2022).
Overall, the 2018 Sugarille is a highly acclaimed wine with a promising future for aging, showcasing a complex bouquet, robust structure, and balanced elegance.