The 2019 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine crafted from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, sourced from the Tuscany region of Italy, specifically the sub-region of Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is the product of La Serena, a relatively lesser-known but highly regarded estate situated east of the town of Montalcino. The vineyards are organically cultivated at an elevation of 400 meters on calcareous-rich clay with southeastern exposure.
Decanter scored this wine a 93, noting its elegant bouquet of "fragrant balsam wood, pressed rose, and allspice." The review highlighted its "impressive purity of spicy dark cherry with pleasantly puckering acidity." Decanter also commented on the wine's "chalky textured tannins" and suggested that it "needs some time to temper" before reaching its full potential.
Vinous, which also awarded a score of 93, described the wine as "darkly alluring" with an "earthy blend of crushed rocks and flowery underbrush." The palate was noted for its "juicy textures" and "exotic spices," finishing long with "crunchy tannins" and a lingering "air of lavender" over "a staining of black licorice."
James Suckling bestowed a higher score of 97, praising its "aromas of bark, dark cherries, and flowers." He remarked on its "purity of fruit that runs the length of the wine" and described it as "medium- to full-bodied" with "very fine tannins." Suckling recommended consuming the wine after 2026, allowing it three to four years to fully come together.
Wine Spectator rated the wine at 95, appreciating its "fruity side" with "cherry, strawberry, and black pepper flavors." The review also pointed out "floral, iron, and underbrush accents" that add depth, but emphasized the "beam of pure cherry" that prevails. The publication suggested that the wine displays "prodigious length on the finish" and would be best enjoyed from 2027 through 2043.
Overall, the 2019 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino is a wine with notable complexity and depth, receiving high praise from multiple respected reviewers. It is recommended for aging to allow its full array of flavors and tannins to harmonize.