Rising to the Challenge

Brunello’s best producers combated the hot, dry summer of 2017 with careful work in both vineyards and cellars

Portrait of Altesino and Caparzo owners Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini and her daughter Alessandra
The family behind top Brunello estates Altesino and Caparzo: Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini and her daughter Alessandra. (Lorenzo Cotrozzi)

From an extremely hot and dry growing season, the best 2017 Brunellos di Montalcino are balanced and fresh, with robust tannins. Nonetheless, these Tuscan Sangioveses should develop quickly, predicts Wine Spectator senior editor Bruce Sanderson. As a result, he says, these are Brunellos to enjoy on the earlier side, over the next 10 to 15 years. That makes 2017 an ideal group of reds to savor while waiting for the more concentrated 2015s and structured 2016s.

One of the greatest vintages of the past generation, the 2016 harvest yielded a stellar set of riservas and special cuvées, with 34 scoring 95 points or higher in this report. Get Sanderson's analysis of the two vintages, complete with producer highlights, plus scores and tasting notes for the top wines and a vintage rating for 2017.

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