The 2018 La Magia Brunello di Montalcino is a well-regarded expression of the Sangiovese Grosso varietal from the esteemed Tuscany region in Italy. This red wine, produced by La Maggia, has received multiple commendations from professional reviewers for its balanced structure, complex flavors, and potential for aging.

Kerin O’Keefe describes the wine as “tight and tart,” noting its aromas of eucalyptus, moist earth, and dark spice. Despite its 14.5% alcohol by volume, she finds it “light on its feet,” offering flavors of sour cherry, coffee bean, and green tea, supported by lithe tannins and bright acidity (kerinokeefe.com, 11/1/2022).

Jeb Dunnuck provides an excellent review, awarding the wine a score of 93. He characterizes it as “a more potent and amplified wine” with luxurious aromas of toasted cedar, dark mineral earth, menthol, and black cherry liqueur. Dunnuck highlights its “ripe mouth-coating fruit” and “long-lasting finish,” recommending it for cellaring until at least 2026 (jebdunnuck.com, 3/6/2023).

Vinous, in a review by Eric Guido, scores the wine at 92 and praises its smoky profile with a blend of “crushed rocks and savory spice accentuating dried black cherries.” Guido notes the wine’s juicy acidity and mineral-tinged red fruits, alongside a “long and dramatic finale” (Vinous, 12/1/2022).

James Suckling also provides an excellent review, awarding a score of 94. He praises the “lovely purity of fruit” with notes of plums, cherries, licorice, tomato leaves, and hibiscus. Suckling emphasizes the wine’s balance, firm tannin frame, and seamless, creamy texture, recommending it be enjoyed after 2025 (jamessuckling.com, 11/11/2022).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate describes the wine as a “subdued and elegant expression” with a genuine quality. Reviewer ML notes flavors of wild cherry, cassis, and crushed limestone, highlighting the wine’s linearity and freshness (Wine Advocate, 3/9/2023).

Finally, Wine Enthusiast’s Danielle Callegari awards the wine a score of 94 and describes its “sanguine, umami nose” with black olives, soil, balsamic vinegar, and pencil shavings. Callegari appreciates the wine’s warm, full palate with flavors of cherries, strawberries, cranberries, and a flinty finish highlighted by bergamot and salted dark chocolate (Wine Enthusiast, 12/1/2023).

Overall, the 2018 La Magia Brunello di Montalcino is a distinguished wine that exhibits a harmonious blend of fruit, structure, and complexity, making it a noteworthy addition to any cellar.