2021 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona "Pianrosso" Brunello di Montalcino

Aromas of new leather, spiced black plum, violet and camphor unfold on the bold and beautiful 2021 Brunello Pianrosso. Combining power and restraint, the full-bodied palate delivers layers of ripe Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and fine tobacco blend before a spiced orange zest close. Velvety, enveloping tannins provide seamless support. (KO)

Then there’s Pianrosso. This is the big gun. It comes from a sun-drenched amphitheater of red, iron-rich galestro soil, and man, does it show. If the regular bottling is a wake-up call, the Pianrosso is a heavyweight bout. It’s dark, it’s brooding, and it literally smells like crushed iron, wet stone, and wild mint. But here is the magic of the 2021 vintage: for all of its sheer mass and serious dry extract, this wine absolutely refuses to be fat. The acidity acts like a whip, keeping all that dense, macerated dark fruit perfectly in line. The tannins are monumental—chalky, demanding, and uncompromising—clamping down hard on a bone-dry finish that seems to last for five minutes. Do not open this just to casually sip on the couch. This is a massive, highly intellectual Brunello built for the darkest corner of your cellar.