Le Potazzine Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Wine Enthusiast : 97 Points

(12/1/2023) A sweet and savory nose features lighter notes of cherry, vanilla and cedar standing up to umami balsamic vinegar, olives and rocks. The palate welcomes a sour wave of dried cranberries, pomegranate and citrus before an astringent finish. This wine will make the whole table sit up straight and pay attention.

Wine Advocate : 94+ Points

(3/9/2023) Le Potazzine delivers solid results thanks to the impressive positioning of its vines that straddle the crown of a high-elevation plain. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows bright fruit with cherry and redcurrant, and that makes all the difference. Careful oak aging has enhanced the aromas. I also feel the effects of careful cellar aging in terms of mouthfeel, especially the structure and tannins. The wine is tightly stitched together with a point of sourness on the close. Give it a few more years to soften. Some 15,500 bottles were made. Drink Date: 2025 - 2038.

Decanter : 94 Points

(11/9/2022) Le Potazzine’s breezy, high-altitude site and stony well-draining soil helped offset 2018's rains and threat of mildew. Nevertheless, the estate produced about 15% less Brunello due to a strict selection. A bit timid, it takes some coaxing to release forest herbs, leather and wild strawberry. Midweight and delicate but not fragile, it moves gracefully, delivering a core of sweet fruit while supple chalky tannins cling around the edges. Almost ready now, although it possesses enough depth for satisfying mid-term drinking.

Vinous - Eric Guido : 95 Points

(12/2023) The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has blossomed over the last year, blending earthy notes of worn leather and dusty rose that give way to woodland berries, cinnamon and tobacco. This is cool-toned and remarkably fresh with crisp wild berry fruits complicated by orange hints as inner violet florals cascade. It finishes long and lightly structured, leaving the mouth watering for more as a slightly salty tinge lingers. The 2018 from Le Potazzine is easily one of the top wines of this challenging vintage. That said, it is also more immediate. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030.