2013 Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino

Simonetta Valiani is the current owner of Le Chiuse and the great granddaughter of the legendary Ferruccio Biondi-Santi. The estate's vineyards formed part of the Biondi-Santi's valuable vineyard holdings since the late 18th century. They had been previously rented to her uncle Franco Biondi-Santi and used in the their Riserva bottling until 1993, when Simonetta, along with her husband Nicolò and son Lorenzo (who is the current winemaker), decided to start producing wine from the estate under their own label. The estate consists of 18 hectares on the north-northeast side of the Montalcino hill at 300 meters above sea level. There are five Sangiovese Grosso vineyards on the property with an average vine density of 4,000 vines per hectare.

Opaque dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Showing good perfume the nose features aromatics of red and dried cherries as well as red currant subtlety tinged with scents of roses followed by earthy dried herb and spicy cedar notes. Medium bodied with great acid and tannin structure that gives the refined, elegant palate an energetic feel, flavours of spicy red currants, red and dried cherries, earthy dried herbs and cedary tobacco characters show excellent length. Finishes dry with a brightness to the acidity and slightly chalky tannins that have a grainy like feel. There’s an understated power to the wine that will fully unravel with time. Long savoury aftertaste of earthy red currant, cherries both red and dried, cedary tobacco characters and spicy dried herbs. Should be really singing in 10-15 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
Dark spice, pipe tobacco, blue flower, crushed herb and wild berry are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this stunningly beautiful, fragrant red. Vibrant and elegant, the radiant palate has great intensity and energy, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and star anise set against a backbone of bright acidity and firm, refined tannins. A classic Brunello, with stunning body and superb pedigree, it will age for decades. Drink 2023-2043.
100 points
Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast

Deep red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, strawberry, tea leaf and crushed stone are lifted by a lovely violet top note. Bright, dense and juicy, this features lively, harmonious acidity extending the very precise, pure, multilayered flavors of red currant, sweet spices and red cherry on the long vibrant finish. A really beautiful wine. Bravi! Real Italian wine experts know that Le Chiuse owns vineyards in one of the best areas for Sangiovese in all of Montalcino; for example, it is from this area that Biondi-Santi sourced its Sangiovese grapes for many of its famous Brunello Riservas.
97 points
Ian D'Agata - Vinous

Le Chiuse delivers an impeccable wine that beautifully captures the classic side of this elegant vintage. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a gorgeous garnet color that is both luminous and sultry. The bouquet takes a minute or two to reach cruising altitude. Once it does, it reveals wild cherry, rose hip, blanched almond and sassy licorice or spice. It is aged in large oak casks for 38 months, and the fruit is farmed organically. This is an absolute breakout vintage for Le Chiuse, and the wine already shows the textural richness for prolonged aging. Bravo!
96+ points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate