Sign In

2016 San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere

Light label condition issue

Removed from a subterranean wine cellar; Purchased at retail

Removed from a subterranean wine cellar; Purchased at retail

5 available
Bid *
Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

98Wine Spectator

...laden with balsamic aromas and flavors of juniper, rosemary and rose, plus black currant and raspberry fruit. There's an underlying mineral element, along with firm, mature tannins that enhance the overall elegance and finesse.

98James Suckling

...rich and very linear at the same time, with cherry, tile, walnut and light chocolate aromas. Some mahogany. Very complex. Full-bodied...very, very long finish. Really gorgeous.

94+ The Wine Advocate

...characterized by more intensity and concentration..tight berry tones, dusty mineral, spice and balsam herb...delivers succulent fruit and even a touch of sweetness, all powered by tannins...

94Vinous / IWC

Flowery undergrowth, wet stone and tobacco lift from the glass, taking on fresher notes of raspberry and sage over time...gorgeous interplay of velvety textures, salty minerals and lifting acidity in the mouth, as well as fine tannins which blend to create a classically balanced impression. Red fruits linger along with hints of licorice and minty herbs...

PRODUCER

San Filippo

San Filippo is in Montalcino. It was founded in 1972 and is today owned by Roberto Giannelli, who has renovated the 53-acre estate extensively, paying close attention to the 27 acres of vineyards. The estate takes its name from a small, 17th century chapel built by a local landowner who wanted to show his gratitude for good harvests by holding regular religious services. Today the small chapel is part of the San Filippo estate. San Filippo produces Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino and Sant’Antimo Rosso, which is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. About 2,500 cases of Brunello are made annually. San Filippo Brunellos have won scores in the mid- to high-90s. Wine Advocate has written that “San Filippo is home to some of the best boutique Brunello today.”

REGION

Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino is entirely Sangiovese. Montalcino itself is a picturesque, hill-top town not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine. Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

VINTAGE

2016 San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere