San Polino is a small family winery crafting critically acclaimed Brunello. Each of their sustainably produced wines paints a portrait of the dynamic land from which their grapes are grown, while highlighting the nuances of each vintage. After a rainy start, expectations soared for the 2019 growing season, and we can see why in this 96-point Sangiovese-based red, whose balance, structure, and impressive bouquet hint at a long life ahead!
Member Rating: 90
Tech Notes
Wine Details
James Suckling
Kerin OKeefe
Decanter
Vinous
Jancis Robinson
| Unit Size | 750.00 ML |
| Varietal | Sangiovese
|
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Grape | Sangiovese |
| Country | Italy |
| Appellation | Brunello di Montalcino
|
| Region | Tuscany |
| Alcohol Content | 14.50% |
By San Polino
Brunello di Montalcino 2019 DOCG
Wine Details
Vintage: 2019
Wine Designation: DOCG
Grape: Sangiovese
Vineyard Altitude: 300 m
Alcohol: 14.50%
Terroir
Located at 300 meters above sea level, the vineyard features soils rich in clay and marl. With excellent ventilation and abundant sun exposure, this terroir ensures optimal ripeness and consistently high-quality harvests each year.
Vintage
The winter, pleasantly cold, ushered in a stunning spring characterized by gentle weather and plentiful yet balanced rainfall. Summer was hot, without any excessive heat or drought. A mild, dry September, with favorable temperature swings, ensured impeccable phenolic ripening and superb, vibrant acidity.
Fermentation
Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in 35-hl tronic barrels, allowing the natural microbiome to shape the wine's character.
Maceration
Three days of cold maceration before fermentation, followed by 30 days of post-fermentation skin contact.
Wood Aging
Three years in large Slavonian oak barrels and cellar-aged French barrique.
[Information provided by Superior Wine Selection]
Wine: San Polino Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink after 2027
Review Date: 09/13/2023
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: Intense aromas of black cherries, black truffle, orange peel and Indian spices. The palate is full yet reserved, with very fine tannins that fly linear and deep in the wine. Caressing texture. Reserved at the end. A real beauty. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2027.
Wine: San Polino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2027 - 2039
Review Date: 11/2023
Reviewed By: Kerin O’Keefe
Tasting Notes: Balsamic aromas of camphor and pine forest mingle with truffle and plum cake on the fragrant 2019 Brunello fro [sic] San Polino. It’s also delicious, with flavors of raspberry tart, plum cake, cinnamon and nutmeg accompanied by taut, fine-grained tannins that lend seamless support. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced. Drink 2027-2039.
Wine: San Polino, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2019
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036
Review Date: 11/13/2023
Reviewed By: Michaela Morris
Tasting Notes: From San Polino’s holdings in the northeast on loamy clay soil. Exuberantly youthful and becoming, the 2019 rings out with violet and oily balsamic herbs. It gives a midweight impression - yet is packed with brambly fruit. An orange peel flourish is heightened by zesty acidity. And as this opens, savoury iron depths are revealed. Promising but needs to come together. Solid, clayey tannins clamp down on the finish.
Wine: San Polino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2036
Review Date: 11/2023
Reviewed By: Eric Guido
Tasting Notes: The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a dusty blend of dried flowers and strawberries enhanced by lemon oil touches. This is racy and sleek with cooling acidity and vividly ripe wild berry fruits lifted by orange and cedary spice. Its acidity wins the day, maintaining amazing freshness despite the grippy tannins that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes long and staining with a pretty air of inner violet flowers that linger. San Polino continues to raise the bar; this is lovely.
Wine: San Polino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino
Score/Rating: 17.5/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038
Review Date: 11/14/2023
Reviewed By: Walter Speller
Tasting Notes: Certified organic by ICEA. Dark ruby with bricky rim. Deep, alluring cherry nose with exotic spice hints. Sinewy and long with juicy cherry fruit that just starts to unfurl and fine-ground, coating tannins. Great balance but still needs to settle, so wait. (WS)