Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2019

95+ points Luca Gardini: "A great classic of the house and the appellation, from a selection of vineyards with variegated soils. Nose of freshness, pomegranate on top, notes of savage, grapefruit and licorice powder. Intense palate, recall of officinal notes. Closes with nuances of licorice. (Oct 2023)"

95 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Castello di Banfi’s straight Brunello just gets better every year as the 2019 aptly proves. It’s smooth, concentrated, delicious and energized, not an easy combination but one that they rock in the 2019 vintage. It starts out with aromas of camphor, truffle, ripe black-skinned berry and tobacco while the enveloping palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, almond and cake spice framed in velvety tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted and vibrant. Drink: 2027–2039. Abv: 14.5%. (Nov 2023)"

95 points James Suckling: "A beautiful red with cedar, mushroom and cherry character, as well as hints of sandalwood. It’s medium-bodied and very polished with loveliness and finesse that comes through clearly. A wine to drink young, but will age very nicely. Drink or hold. (9/25/23)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$80 list] A refined and generous Brunello, exhibiting plum, cherry, strawberry and even floral flavors. This strives for elegance, achieving it with harmony and a line of fine-grained tannins on the lingering finish. There's ample fruit midpalate that resonates on the mineral finish, showing fine definition. Best from 2026 through 2040. (6/30/24)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The nose is balanced, yet tense, as the warmth of tar and anise burns beneath sweet, almost flirtatious aromas of vanilla, Luxardo cherry and blood orange peel, with a saline freshness. The palate leans into the fruit and salinity, but a blast of pepper brings more warmth. Tightly coiled tannins mirror and emphasize the wine's overall energetic tension–a great deal for a classic example of Brunello. Alcohol 14%. (Sep 2024)"

93 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A rich red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is a touch shy on opening before revealing aromas of cherry pie, a hint of blue fruit coming through with violets, and anise. Medium to full-bodied, it has a pop of angular texture, chalky tannins, and a clean, lovely, tapered finish. This exceptional wine from Banfi offers a lot of purity and finesse. Drink: 2025-2040. (2/28/24)"