The 2019 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine composed of Sangiovese Grosso grapes, hailing from the renowned Tuscany region in Italy, specifically the Brunello di Montalcino sub-region. This vintage has garnered significant praise from several esteemed wine critics, reflecting its high quality and appeal.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 94, with Monica Larner describing it as opening with "dried cassis and cranberry," and a hint of "crushed red rose petals or potpourri." Larner notes that the wine shows increasing complexity over time, revealing "dark spice, clove, bay leaf, and thyme" as it opens. She highlights a "point of sweetness on the mid-palate" and suggests that it is more accessible compared to the producer's Filo di Seta wine, with "drier notes with hints of daisy greens and dried currant."
Vinous provided a slightly higher score of 95, with Eric Guido noting the wine's "darkly alluring and spicy" character. Guido describes an "earthy blend of crushed rocks, savory herbs, spiced blood orange, and dried cherries." The wine is praised for its "soft textures and depths of wild berry fruit," as well as its "brisk acidity and mineral tones" that add both lift and depth. Guido remarks on its "dramatically long and structured" finish, emphasizing the "radiant fruits of the 2019 vintage."
James Suckling, who scored the wine 93, highlighted its "polished and refined" nature, with aromas of "wild strawberries, dark cherries, and violets." He describes it as "rich and full-bodied with balanced, soft acidity," and notes its "firm and fine-grained tannins." Suckling suggests the wine will be even better after 2027, implying potential for aging.
Jeb Dunnuck also gave it a score of 93, with Audrey Frick noting the wine's "roasty and layered profile" featuring "stewed red plum, cedar, baking spice, and charred rosemary." Frick describes it as "medium to full-bodied" with a "supple and savory tone" and "sweet tannins." She recommends drinking it over the next decade, from 2024 to 2034.
Wine Spectator provided the highest score of 97, with Bruce Sanderson praising its "pure cherry and kirsch aromas and flavors." Sanderson highlights its stylish and graceful nature, with elements of "rose, wild thyme, and stony mineral." He commends its "beautifully integrated, fresh, and firm" structure and predicts it will be best enjoyed from 2026 through 2042.
Overall, the 2019 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is celebrated for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine collection.