Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Andrea Cortonesi's Uccelliera offers distinctive wines that reflect the characteristics of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone in the southeast quadrant of the appellation.  The vineyard is planted at various elevations spread across three tiers.  The lower level at 150 metres above sea level sees heavier calcareous marl clay soils.  The geology at 250 metres above sea level sees a mix of clay and sandy soils with a much larger presence of limestone and mineral.  The highest vineyards at 350 metres above sea level consist of limestone Galestro rocks mixed into primarily clay soils.

"Balsam herbs, cocoa and sweet white smoke give way to crushed black cherry and plum as the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass.  This is elegance personified, silky, deep and round, yet delivering a core of saline-minerality that creates a savoury sensation – umami, in a way – with masses of ripe red fruits and confectionery spices to contrast.  The tannins are sweet and round, presenting a chiselled structure; yet it’s not forceful.  This tapers off with a tart twang of sour wild berries under an air of lavender and violets.  Wow; there is so much concentration and depth here, but also balance.  In fact, there’s hardly a sign of this being from a difficult vintage. While I expect it will have a shorter life than an Uccelliera Brunello from a classic year, the 2017 should not be missed."  94+ Points, Eric Guido, vinous.com

"The Uccelliera 2017 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job showcasing that extra power and brawn of the vintage and the richer textural structure of the southern side of the appellation.  The bouquet is up front and beautifully measured with lots of red and purple fruit definition followed by spice, tar and earthiness.  What sets this wine apart in this hot and dry vintage is the mouthfeel.  It delivers fibre, flesh and soft tannins."  94 Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate Magazine

"A solid 2017, but there’s tangy freshness to this, and relatively fine tannins that frame the wine nicely. Plenty of ripe fruit."  93 Points, James Suckling