The 2018 vintage is a break in style from the recent run of solar vintages over the last few years. So, what are the leading critics thoughts on the latest vintage and its wines?
The Drinks Business’ Filippo Bartolotta stated in his article Brunello di Montalcino 2018: the power of lightness and agility “this vintage asks for a more mindful and accurate evaluation… I started to look and analyze the wines with more concentration, looking for the finesse of the tannins, the delicate extractions, the refreshing gentleness. Those winemakers who didn’t attempt to build a fortress but focus on a more severe section of fruit had allowed the life of an ethereal and vibrant Brunello… Montalcino shows once again its moment of maturity and adulthood in the world of fine wines, both under a technical point of view with the ability to produce great fine wines even in difficult vintages like the 2018 and under an economical side.”
Vinous’ Eric Guido further commented in his publication 2018 Brunello di Montalcino: The Rubik’s Cube Vintage “two thousand-eighteen is a producer’s vintage, where diligence in the vineyard and severe selection paid off… at the top level, many of the 2018 Brunellos come across as quite Burgundian in nature, where a combination of vividly dark, ripe fruit, balanced acidity and refined tannins add a brilliant dimension that shines already today yet promises a steady and prosperous evolution over time… If selective, I think consumers will find a few gems within the 2018 vintage…”
Walter Speller (Jancisrobinson.com) concurred in his review Brunello 2018 – enjoy this style while you can, noting that “2018 may not be a vintage for laying down, but its freshness may well be wistfully remembered in years to come… So far, I have tasted only the cream of the crop, but I can already say with some certainty that the Brunello 2018s are heterogenerous. Like every testing vintage, it mercilessly reveals each producer’s talent for interpreting the vintage in the best way and their intimate knowledge of their vineyard site. Precise vineyard location and the influence of soil and topography played a fundamental role in 2018…”
In his article Can Brunello’s cool and classic 2018 vintage be considered great? James Suckling declared “the 2018 vintage seems to be characterized by the diversity of vineyard sites around Montalcino… many of the wines we tried show excellent balance and drinkability. But they clearly are not at the same level as those from the great 2015 and 2016 vintages. The season was cooler compared with a string of warmer vintages in the last decade, and many producers we spoke to called it a ‘classic’ vintage, more akin to vintages of the 1990s… these wine are attractive to drink now but aren’t for long term aging… so, be choosy when you are buying 2018 Brunellos.”
Decanter’s Michaela Morris summarised aptly in Brunello di Montalcino 2018: full report plus top-scoring wines “Though 2018 has neither the sumptuousness of 2015 nor the profound depth of 2016, it is much more elegant than 2017. Regardless, 2018 is a vintage that should be enjoyed – rather than condemned – for its airiness; especially given that there are plenty of ripe, hot vintages coming down the pipeline… While 2018 proposes a few fantastic wines to tuck away, it is not a vintage to seek out for long ageing. Most wines will be accessible immediately and be at their best within the next 10 to 12 years.”
Do read our full vintage report; full of the key facts on the vintage, wine critics thoughts, comments and scores, as well as all Brunello di Montalcino 2018 wines offered in our campaign.
If you would like to discuss options further, please call me in the office on 01325 776446, where I will be happy to guide you through the vintage.
