2017 LE CHIUSE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO "One of the best wines of the vintage, this stunner opens with compelling aromas of new leather, forest floor, perfumed berry and menthol. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry, ripe Marasca cherry, baking spice and licorice set against firm, refined tannins. It boasts remarkable freshness and balance for the hot vintage. Drink 2025–2032." 97 Points "Wild herbs, crushed pomegranates, dusty rose and savory spice define the wildly exotic 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. Its textures are silky and pliant, but with a vibrant streak of acidity and mineral tones that add a more grippy yet jovial feel, as potent red fruits and lavender tones slowly saturate toward the close. Fine tannins come forward through the medium-length finale, as this tapers off to hints of sour citrus, rose and clove. I've watched the 2017 improve in bottle after first tasting it in Montalcino in July, and then again in New York City in the fall of 2021. The evolution is striking, as is the balance that Le Chiuse has obtained from the 2017 vintage." 95 Points "The Le Chiuse 2017 Brunello di Montalcino (made with certified organic fruit) exhibits a silky and elegant profile that only a handful of estates in the appellation achieve with consistency. This is the desired direction of Brunello as a whole I believe, and it's nice to see these successful results in a difficult, hot vintage such as 2017. The wine is silky and glossy on the palate with wildflowers, berry and forest floor." 95 Points "Lorenzo Magnelli opted to pick early to avoid opulence in 2017. Along with gentler punch-downs and fewer pump-overs, he aged the wine for less time in wood – 30 months rather than 36 – as he felt it didn’t need too much oxygen. Vibrancy of expression is palpable in the tangle of spices, woodland berries, earthy mushroom and forest growth. The palate is sturdy but not aggressive as well-composed tannins sweep across the palate. Perhaps all that's missing in the 2017 is the extra detail and length of some of the previous vintages." 95 Points "Offers key themes of black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors, with mineral, tobacco and bitter almond accents. Solidly built, with dense tannins expanding on the finish. Overall, there is a sense of elegance here, with a silkiness and persistence. Best from 2025 through 2042." 94 Points