Top 100 wines of 2021 - #9, James Suckling: “Glorious aromas of flowers, nutmeg, dark berries, earth and black cherries follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins that are long and extremely polished. They go on for minutes. Reserved and shy still, due to its excellence. Give this four or five years to come around.

Bright, rich garnet red. Very clear and intense nose, full of ripe raspberries, pickled cherries and some liquorice in the background. Plenty of ripe fruit on the palate, grippy tannins, firm intensity in the finish, with lingering notes of plums.

Both fluid and concentrated at once, this exudes cherry, black currant, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Saturated with ripe fruit, this has beautifully integrated acidity and tannins, with a racy profile that drives the superlong finish. The tannins flex their muscles at the end yet remain refined. Best from 2024 through 2042. 915 cases made, 400 cases imported.

Gorgeous, full stop. It shows an incredible level of Sangiovese purity and sharpness, and you taste the grape as if you were eating berries straight out of the vineyard. On top of that healthy and bright primary material, the wine layers on elegant aromas of spice, ferrous earth, balsam herb and red rose potpourri. The aromas meet with seamless integration and segue to ongoing depth and complexity offered to the palate. This Riserva is rather delicate in terms of mouthfeel; however, it is powerful and long, polished tannins and a silky texture. A hint of sweet cherry mixed with menthol freshness pulls it together at the end. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate is located in a rather cool location with south-facing vines and well-draining galestro soils on the back side of Castelbuovo dell'Abate. I always like to think of this tiny hilltop hamlet as the place where the day's sunbeams shine in Montalcino before sunset. This estate is certified for organic farming.

Underbrush, scorched earth, camphor and pipe tobacco aromas shape the nose. Full-bodied and densely concentrated, the firm, muscular palate features dried cherry, licorice and marinated prune framed in tightly woven, close-grained tannins. You'll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink 2026–2031.

Dark yet wonderfully perfumed, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro blossoms in the glass to present a bouquet of dried strawberries and roses complemented by hints of blood orange and clove. It shows the power and grace of a well-muscled dancer as a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits rushes across the palate, lifted by bright acidity, while leaving a mix of saline-minerals and grippy tannins toward the close. Though structured for the long haul, the 2016 maintains unexpected vibrancy, finishing with hints of plum and almond. This is simply stunning.

From the estate’s Pianrosso vineyard in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate area, Santa Caterina d’Oro bears the imprint of Montalcino’s south. The spiced, floral potpourri is tangled with sunbaked terracotta scents. This is a substantial, hefty wine with lots of extract and a profusion of fleshy red plum and prune. The tannins are very suave, while sandy earthiness lurks in the background and a salty tang comes through on the finish. Ageing is in Slavonian oak barrels of 7.5 to 30 hectolitres in size. Drinking Window 2022 - 2031

The opulence of fruit and complexity of earth, meat, mushroom, and cedar is breathtaking. It's full-bodied, deep, and powerful with so much intensity and depth. Chewy and layered, it goes on for minutes. Give it even more time. Try after 2023.

There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements. Best from 2024 through 2050.

Enticing aromas of ripe wild berry, iris, camphor and sunbaked soil take shape in the glass. Full in feel and enveloping, the smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and tobacco while firm, velvety tannins provide support. It boasts concentration and structure but also balance, thanks to the fruit richness and freshness. Drink 2023–2030.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine that cleverly delivers the intensity of the vintage but without the heaviness or the ripeness. This wine holds back, just enough, to affirm its poised balance in terms of fruit richness, texture and tannin structure. It shows symmetry throughout. Dark cherry fruit, cassis, plum, lavender, and campfire ash set the tone. The mouthfeel is thickly woven and generous. This special Riserva represents a 11,000-bottle production.

A selection of bunches from Ciacci Piccolomini’s iron-rich Pianrosso vineyard in Montalcino’s southeast, this sees a long maceration and ageing in variously sized used Slavonian oak barrels. It strikes a fine balance of generous ripeness with freshness and juiciness. Pure strawberry, cherry and raspberry meet lilac, rose and an underlying minerality. It's fluid and almost easy to drink, though long, powdery tannins expand across the palate giving textural complexity. It leaves the mouth clean but wanting more with an appetising blood orange finish.

Mature and complex, it gives notes of wet geraniums, incense, sandalwood and drops of bergamot. In the background, the citrus energy is given in the emotion of chinotto melted with lime and orange blossom. Full, juicy and centered body shows a solid and true core Full body, tannins of remarkable workmanship round and well extracted in the matrix and an elegant finish on the finish. Better from 2022.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is nuanced with dark florals, hints of black cherry, mint leaf, and smoky minerals. With time, more baritone notes of tobacco come forward. It's velvety in the mouth, showing ripe red and black fruits, licorice and sweet herbal tones. Fine tannins settle in through the finale; yet they don't get in the way, as this tapers off to hints of dark chocolate and savory spice.

This gorgeous wine opens with alluring aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, underbrush, new leather, truffle, plum and eucalyptus. Smooth and full-bodied yet elegant, the savory, juicy palate delivers crushed Marasca cherry, raspberry preserve, licorice and menthol alongside polished, enveloping tannins. Fresh acidity provides impeccable balance while an orange zest note lifts the finish. Drink 2023-2032. Cellar Selection.

Bright ruby with rich garnet. Presents itself in the nose with rich fruit notes, a basket full of ripe cherries and plums, some cranberry and goji berries, in the background spicy-resinous components. Juicy and structured in the approach, opens with fine-meshed tannin, very juicy, lots of cherry, very elegant, broad.

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a gorgeous expression that sits firmly on a base of dark fruit, spice, tobacco, and crushed river stone. There is a spot of ripe fruit and candied raspberry that comes into focus as the wine warms in the glass. The wine is slightly shorter in the mouth, but it quickly makes up for that thanks to balanced elegance, fine tannins and tangy acidity.

Good full red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of red cherry and violet are complemented by lower tones of licorice and dried herbs. Concentrated and primary in the midpalate; ripe dark fruit flavors build slowly and stain the palate. Deep and dense on the tactile finish, this wine could use a little more acidity to highlight its dark, medicinal aspect. Bigger, richer and deeper than Ciacci Piccolomini's 2013 Brunello, it will likely develop more grace and nuance over time, hence the "+" sign attached to the numerical score.

Elegant, evoking cherry, strawberry, cigar box, and graphite flavors matched to a firm structure. Shows fine balance and expression. Best from 2021 through 2033.

Aromas of plums, fresh mushrooms and violets. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, long finish. Beautiful balance and length. Powerful tannins underneath the exquisite fruit. Great finish. Goes on for minutes. Drink or hold.

With so many fantastic wines produced in 2010, it's hard to make a shortlist of your favorites. One expression that should definitely be included is the stunning 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro, This is a graceful and super elegant wine with bold aromatic intensity that is followed by firm tannins and a polished, smooth texture. It offers power in the proverbial silken glove. But the wines is not simplistic by any stretch. The longer it warms in the glass, the more it delights and surprises. Delicate tones of wild berry, cassis, blanched almond and dried ginger work together in harmony.

A racy style, with a firm structure buoyed by cherry, leather, mineral and woodsy notes. Firm but poised, presenting terrific energy and cut. Best from 2018 through 2035.

A dark, powerful wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is endowed with serious depth and intensity. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, licorice, and dark fleshed fruits are some of the signatures. This is an especially dark, brooding Brunello with massive fruit but less of the sheer radiance of the straight Pianrosso. Today, the 2010 comes across a bit heavy. It will be interesting to see if it acquires more finesse during its aging. The 2010 spent four full years in cask.

A red with sliced meat, dark chocolate, berry and spice. Full body, silky tannins and a tangy finish. A harmonious and beautiful wine. This is so layered and fabulous. So wonderful. These riserva Brunellos from Ciacci are always phenomenal. Drink now.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is big rich and seemless. The wine had just been bottled the day of my visit, but it is very promising, even at this early stage.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro is big, rich and seamless. The wine had just been bottled the day of my visit, but it is very promising, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.

Brilliant strawberry and raspberry fruit up front is matched by burly tannins on the finish, but the long and harmonious finish shows the potential of this red. Silky and detailed, with tobacco, spice and a hint of balsamic lingering on the aftertaste. Best from 2015 through 2030. 1,660 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Lovely aromas of dark fruit with blackberries, flowers and hints of cloves. Full body, with chewy and velvety tannins that are polished and pretty. Long and juicy. Powerful wine. Very creamy texture. Glorious red. Drink now or hold.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is impressive. Interstingly, it is quite a it better than the regular Pianrosso. In this difficult vintage the decision to make a Riserva probably robbed the straight Pianrosso of some high quality fruit. Black cherries, flowers, licorice and mint are woven together in this powerful, structured Brunello while firm tannins frame the long, intense finish. I especially like the way the fruit continues to flesh out with addtional time in the glass. This is a great showing and a terrific effort from Ciacci.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro is impressive. Interestingly, it is quite a bit better than the regular Pianrosso. In this difficult vintage the decision to make a Riserva probably robbed the straight Pianrosso of some high quality fruit. Black cherries, flowers, licorice and mint are woven together in this powerful, structured Brunello while firm tannins frame the long, intense finish. I especially like the way the fruit continues to flesh out with additional time in the glass. This is a great showing and a terrific effort from Ciacci. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

A wellspring of tobacco, underbrush, tea and mineral notes more than fruit at this point, this red acquiesces to its formidable structure now, yet it's built for the long haul. There's sweet fruit and intensity that should emerge over time. Best from 2015 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,081 cases made, 166 cases imported.

Aromas of blackberries, cherries, fresh roses and tar. Ripe fruit. Full body and amazingly polished tannins. Caressing mouthfeel. Super refined.

Fabulous aromas of cherry, fresh rose, blackberry and tar, with hints of raisin. Full-bodied, with wonderfully polished tannins. Ultrarefined. This is the greatest wine ever from this producer. Best after 2011. 750 cases made, 330 cases imported.

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Santa Caterina d’Oro is another terrific effort from Ciacci and proprietor Paolo Bianchini. This sumptuous, deeply-colored wine is gorgeously sweet and long, with endless layers of well-defined smoke, tar, earthinees, tobacco and black cherries. It reveals a superb balance as well as ripe tannins that convey an image of elegance. As appealing as it is today, this Brunello will be even better in a few years' time. It is one of the vintage's unqualified successes.

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro is another terrific effort from Ciacci and proprietor Paolo Bianchini. This sumptuous, deeply-colored wine is gorgeously sweet and long, with endless layers of well-defined smoke, tar, earthiness, tobacco and black cherries. It reveals superb balance as well as ripe tannins that convey an image of elegance. As appealing as it is today, this Brunello will be even better in a few years’ time. It is one of the vintage’s unqualified successes.