The 2017 Az Agr Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, hailing from the renowned Brunello di Montalcino region in Tuscany, Italy. This vintage, despite being from a challenging year, has received commendable reviews from several professional tasters, reflecting a balance of power and elegance.
Eric Guido of Vinous awarded it a score of 94, noting that the wine "blossoms in the glass" with aromas of balsam herbs, cocoa, and sweet white smoke, leading into flavors of crushed black cherry and plum. Guido describes it as "elegance personified," with a silky, deep texture and a savory, saline-mineral core. He highlights the "chiseled structure" of the tannins and the wine's balance, despite the challenging vintage, and recommends drinking it between 2024 and 2029.
James Suckling gave the wine a score of 93, appreciating its "tangy freshness" and "relatively fine tannins" that frame the wine nicely. He notes the presence of ripe fruit and fresh mushroom flavors, suggesting it will be best enjoyed after 2023.
Wine Spectator's review, which scored the wine at 92, highlights its "cherry and plum fruit flavors" combined with mint, camphor, and spice. They describe the wine as dense and powerful, resonating on the finish with echoes of fruit, herbs, and spices. Wine Spectator suggests the wine will reach its peak between 2025 and 2042, with 2,388 cases produced and 1,200 cases imported.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also scored the wine 94, emphasizing its "extra power and brawn" and the richer textural structure typical of the southern side of the appellation. The review notes the "up front and beautifully measured" bouquet with red and purple fruit, spice, tar, and earthiness. The mouthfeel is described as delivering "fiber, flesh, and soft tannins," though the alcohol level is noted at a high 15%.
Overall, the 2017 Az Agr Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is a powerful yet balanced wine, demonstrating the skill of its producer in a difficult vintage.