Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Red)

Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Red)

More from this producer: Carpineto

  • 2019

    Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Red) 2019 - ExceptionalTasted by Elizabeth Gabay MW & Ben Bernheim

    Surprisingly semi-opaque garnet. Slightly reduced on the nose. On the palate, Carpineto's dark, closed, black inky minerality shines once again. This is a wine that doesn't have time for silly things like fruit. It's putting all its energy into being serious, with extremely well-bred tannins, knife-edge acidity, and structure that would put a Roman architect to shame. Concentrated without feeling soupy, acidic, dark and powerful. Tannins on the finish have a lasting minerality and power that is just right, continuing that haughty depth. It reminds me of Gordon from Thomas the Tank Engine - this is a thoroughly no-nonsense wine, that is easy to dislike, but ultimately does a wonderful job. Shudderingly good. I'm impresed.

    Tasted November 2024
  • 2018

    Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Red) 2018 - OutstandingTasted by Elizabeth Gabay MW & Ben Bernheim

    Tar, violets, slightly burnt black coffee. A little clumsy and one-dimensional on the nose. Herbal verging on medicinal spice on the palate. Nice balance, good weight - really grows on me. Not a cherry fruit bumb like many of the wines, instead relying on silky texture and softly-spoken power. Delicate, ethereal - but therefore either perfectly ready to drink now, or so closed that it needs years. Either way, yeah I'd finish the glass.

    Tasted November 2023

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About us

We’re mother and son duo Elizabeth Gabay MW and Ben Bernheim. Between us, we’ve been involved in the wines of southern France for over 30 years. Elizabeth started working with the wines of Provence back in 1986, and for the past 20 years has lived on the eastern edge of south-east France. We’ve worked on three books on rosé: Rosé Understanding the Pink Wine Revolution (2018), Elizabeth Gabay’s Buyers Guide to the Rosés of Southern France (2021 e-guide) and, most recently Rosés of Southern France (2022).

Please do not reproduce our tasting notes or scores without getting in touch with us first.