After Podere Salicutti’s 2011 Brunello di Montalcino sold out in under an hour yesterday, we turn to another classic Brunello producer, Sesti, located at Castello di Argiano on Montalcino’s southerly slopes.
A longstanding Goedhuis Tuscan favourite, the Sesti winery, run by Giuseppe and daughter Elisa, proves what can be achieved in 2011 on sandy soils and at a lower altitude where so many others struggled. We mentioned in our vintage report that it was hugely important for the leaf canopy shielding the grapes to remain intact, thus providing protection from the August sun. The Sesti Brunello’s purity and wonderful balance of soft red fruit flavours is testament to their masterful vineyard management, so vital to success in 2011.
We were blown away by the quality level when we sampled this on Tuesday. Forward and almost approachable even now, this isn’t a wine that will need significant time in the cellar. This is great news for those wanting a high quality Brunello di Montalcino that can be opened and enjoyed upon arrival. It will however, steadily soften and develop further complexity over the next 18 months.
This 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is bang on the money and will prove to be one of the most rewarding Italian wines that you will drink in the next couple of years.
There are 60 six packs and 20 cases of magnums available which will be ready for delivery in May 2016. We also have a few single double magnums and jeroboams, but be warned they are very limited and likely to sell fast.
Brunello di Montalcino Sesti 2011
£195.00 per 6 bottles IB | £248.76 inc VAT (£41.46 per bottle inc VAT)
£220.00 per 3 magnums IB | £278.76 inc VAT
£175.00 per single double magnum (1 x 300cl) IB | £219.84 inc VAT (limited)
£270.00 per jeroboam (1 x 500cl) IB | £340.40 inc VAT (very limited)
Soft and silky with chocolate, berry and toffee aromas and flavors. Medium body, round texture and a ripe fruit aftertaste. Decadent style. Very delicious. Drink now. 92 pts James Suckling
Sesti’s 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a rich, resonant wine with plenty of near-term appeal. Sweet tobacco, cherry, iron, dried flowers and mint all meld together in the glass. Soft, silky and ample, the 2011 is already quite delicious, although, like so many Brunellos of the vintage, it is probably best enjoyed on the younger side. 90 pts Antonio Galloni