94 Points Wine Enthusiast – “New leather, ripe black-skinned fruit, tobacco and menthol are just some of the aromas you’ll find in this delicious red. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the accessible palate delivers dried cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and a hint of white pepper set against velvety tannins.”
93 Points James Suckling – “Extremely refined and together 2017, with round, fine tannins that show tension and balance. Medium to full body, creamy texture and a delicious finish. Savory and juicy.”
93 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows exciting depth, power and length. It stands tall as a fine example of Brunello made in the not-always-easy 2017 vintage. Even its appearance is especially attractive, given its dark but glossy garnet shine. The wine’s aromas unwind slowly, starting with dark fruit and plum, but carefully transition to spice, smoke and cedar. There is tension and grip on the finish.”
92 Points Decanter – “In 2017, Tommaso Cortonesi reduced maceration time (no more than 20 days) and kept fermentation temperatures relatively low, at between 26 to 30°C, to avoid extracting bitter or harsh tannins. From vineyards in Montalcino’s north, La Mannella demonstrates admirable finesse. Scents of rosemary and mint blossom weave through cherry and pomegranate. The palate is polished yet firm and boasts an appealing mineral stoniness. Still youthfully vigorous.”
92 Points Wine Spectator – “There’s ample fleshiness to the structure of this generous red. Cherry, raspberry, plum, floral and leather flavors ply the rich texture, while dusty, resonant tannins roam the lingering finish. Offers fine succulence and harmony.”
90 Points Antonio Galloni – “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella is dark, dusty and youthfully backward, with black currant and violet inflections forming its bouquet. Its textures are silky, and a pleasant inner sweetness creates an impression of opulence, as mineral-tinged red berries give way to pretty inner florals toward the close. Grippy tannins linger, clenching the palate in youthful poise, as this tapers off to hints of licorice and spice.”
