Castiglion del Bosco - Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago 2019 (750ml)

Wine Spectator 95 points
"Complex and rich, sumptuous even, boasting flavors of cherry, plum, leather, mineral, dusky spices and tobacco, underscored by a stream of dense, dusty tannins. This coasts to a finish that is tactile, echoing ripe fruit and mineral accents."
Decanter 95 points
"Campo del Drago is the estate's highest parcel, at 430 metres above sea level, on rocky soil with some sand and galestro. Due to the altitude, this vineyard is the last to be picked by Castiglion del Bosco, enjoying a slow ripening. The 2019 sees an increase to 60% whole-cluster fruit (previous vintages are around 40%). ‘The quality of tannins was so perfect that I decided to increase this component,’ explained winemaker Cecilia Leoneschi, who also pointed out that the berries were slightly smaller than normal in 2019, and production was very slightly down on average too. Bitter herb, flint and dark cherry aromas are followed in the mouth by high acidity balancing rich dark fruits, cradled by really fine tannins. Hints of spice and herbs emerge on the long, silky finish. Richer and grippier than the estate bottling, but with an ethereal quality"
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
"Dark red hued, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Campo Del Drago is more grounded in nature and offers more concentration on the nose, with aromas of licorice, sweet plums, pine, black truffles, and crushed violets. It gains intensity on the palate with a medium to full-bodied frame, hearty tannins, and savory depth with notes of bitter tea leaf and rocky earth on the finish. This commands more time and will do well to see another 6 months to a year in bottle and is an impressive offering from the team of Castiglion del Bosco. Each of these wines are starting to show a change in direction from this estate and seem to offer a softer hand with regard to the resulting wines than I have experienced in the past."
Vinous 95 points
"Dark and savory in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago lifts up with a bouquet of grilled herbs, exotic spices, ashen stones and dried wild berries. It’s soft and enveloping, yet there's an energy within. Zesty acidity motivates its tart red fruits, all underscored by a salty core of minerality. This finishes long and staining with a coating of grippy tannins, yet is still remarkably fresh. Rosy inner florals linger. The textures here are stunning, as is the 2019's spry personality. This was fermented using 100% whole clusters."