The 2018 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino, crafted from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, represents a commendable expression of its Tuscan terroir. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, features a cork closure and hails from the renowned Brunello di Montalcino sub-region in Italy. As an organically grown wine, it has garnered favorable reviews across the board, consistently scoring 93 points or higher.
Decanter awarded this wine a 93, noting its "beautifully weighted" nature and highlighting the extended délestage process used in 2018, which allowed for delicate skin maceration with a reduced amount of juice. The wine possesses a floral spectrum of fragrances, including cherry and thyme blossoms, with "crunchy red plum and succulent cherry flavors" that exhibit youthful, grippy tannins.
James Suckling also rated the wine 93, describing aromas of "roasted herbs, wild cherries, thyme, and dried mushrooms." The medium to full-bodied wine has "silky yet firm tannins" and offers "excellent length with a delectably savory character." He suggests drinking it after 2023.
Jeb Dunnuck echoed these sentiments, awarding another 93 points and praising its full and enveloping profile with "purple floral perfume," "blue fruit," and "black raspberry and leather." According to Dunnuck, the wine transitions to the palate with more depth, showing "iron richness, meat, red cherry, raspberry, cedar, and fresh soil," making it balanced and lovely to drink between 2025 and 2040.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 93, appreciating its "dark fruit, bold cherry, earthy notes, and a hint of black olive or scorched earth." The review emphasized its "streamlined mid-palate" and "well-managed, silky tannins," noting the wine's lively and fresh Sangiovese acidity.
Vinous described the wine with "masses of crushed cherries and cloves," giving way to "spiced citrus peels and cedar." The 93-point review highlighted its "grippy tannins" and advised patience to unlock its full potential.
Wine Spectator provided an excellent review, scoring it 94 points and praising its "pretty cherry, strawberry, currant, and floral aromas and flavors." The review noted the wine's elegant start, dense tannins, and long finish, with wild herb and mineral notes adding depth. Best enjoyed from 2025 through 2043, Wine Spectator remarked on the 16,600 cases produced, with 3,000 imported.
Kerin O'Keefe gave the highest score of 95, describing aromas of "violet, Mediterranean scrub, dark-skinned berry, and forest floor." The full-bodied wine features "ripe Morello cherry, licorice, and ground clove" framed by tightly-woven, enveloping tannins, suggested to be enjoyed through 2030.
Overall, the 2018 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino stands out for its complexity, balance, and aging potential, making it a notable choice for enthusiasts of Italian red wines.