Biondi-Santi (Il Greppo) Brunello di Montalcino 2017

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "A delicately sweet note of fresh summer cherry is a precursor to budding complexity and a very articulate bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. Immediately pleasing fruit is a characteristic of the 2017 growing season that had above average temperatures and drought throughout the summer. The resistant 2017 Brunello di Montalcino takes on these challenges without missing a beat. The wine's celebrated acidity and its small berry nuances remain intact. The tannins are silky and the wine's flavors fade slowly even after you have taken your last sip. Drink: 2026-2045. (5/31/23)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The stunning 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello carries on the estate’s long tradition that focuses on elegance, complexity and longevity, and that’s nothing short of miraculous for the scorching vintage. Aromas of dog rose, violet, eucalyptus, ripe berry and dark spice abound while the polished, delicious palate delivers ripe black cherry, wild raspberry, licorice and a hint of tobacco. Tightly woven but extremely refined tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity for the vintage prove seamless support and impeccable balance. Drink 2027–2042. Abv: 13.5%. (Aug 2023)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. Drink 2024-2040. Drink: 2024-2040. (3/6/23)"

96 points Susan Hulme (The Wine Independent): "The 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello has a lightly fragrant oak nose with notes of cream and vanilla and cherry. The weight is beautifully ethereal with a little of that weightless quality that you find in very fine wines. The tannins have a slight grippy dryness but it is not excessive and there is a green sharpness to the cherry flavors that linger on the palate. It has lots of finesse and flow and a fine texture. For this wine the new team from EPI were involved a little with the vineyard but 2018 will be the first vintage they made completely from start to finish. Biondi Santi have not yet released their 2018 Brunello so when it is released it will more accurately reflect their ideas and style but with this 2017 they have already delivered a beauty. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2023-2037. (2/23/23)"

96 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Medium garnet, purple reflections, broad ochre lightening on the rim. Fine nuances of undergrowth and forest floor, subtle earthy-leafy nuances, red berryish touch, delicate cassis, cherries, some maquis. On the palate taut, fine fruit expression of sour berries and cherries, elegant texture, vivid, integrated tannins, fresh acidity, mineral on the finish with a salty echo. Very good length, lingers long, already gluggable, but has by no means reached maturity. Very good ageing potential. Reflects in a beautiful way the Biondianti DNA. Alcohol 13.5%. (1/1/23)"

96 points James Suckling: "Sweet berry, orange peel, cedar, bark and forest flower aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with linear and fine tannins and a crunchy undertone. It’s very subtle and fresh for a 2017. Crisp and vivid. It’s refined and acid-driven. Needs three to four years more to soften. Try after 2026. (5/9/23)"

95 points Wine & Spirits [$270 list] (Oct 2023).