Caparzo’s Brunello di Montalcino 2021 is a 100% Sangiovese from one of the denomination’s larger, established estates. Caparzo farms about 90 hectares of vines within a roughly 200-hectare property in Montalcino, and the winery points to ongoing experimentation with vine training and clonal selection. This Brunello is slated to reach the market after the region’s required long aging, with release expected around 2026. One retail listing places the alcohol at about 13.5%.
In 2021, several critics emphasize fragrance and clarity of fruit over sheer power. Decanter calls it “a true panorama of Montalcino,” noting the green-label bottling is “a compilation from 13 diverse areas throughout the denomination,” and finds “cherry blossom and preserved rose” over “sweet fruited” red plum and strawberry, with “supple tannins…fluently interwoven” (Decanter, 91). Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate similarly notes it is “initially subdued on the nose,” then shows “measured notes of cassis, spice and grilled herbs,” with an “easygoing and accessible” palate and “soft, approachable tannins” aimed more at near- to mid-term drinking (Wine Advocate, 92). The same review reports production of “around 160,000 bottles.”
The top reviews, however, argue for both structure and longevity. Wine Spectator awards an excellent 95 points, citing “plenty of red fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry,” plus “wood smoke, tobacco and iron,” concluding it is “elegant overall and super long,” recommending “Best from 2029 through 2048” (Wine Spectator, 95). James Suckling goes higher with an excellent 96, calling it “an intoxicating wine” with “ripe, velvety tannins” and advising “Try from 2027” (James Suckling, 96). Vinous (94) and Jeb Dunnuck (93) reinforce the vintage’s lift, describing a “peppery and floral” profile and a “great finish,” with drinking windows stretching into the 2040s (Vinous; Jeb Dunnuck).
