Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino 2020

96 points James Suckling: "A profound wine with vibrancy and complexity, exuding restrained cherries and raspberries, together with touches of ash and fresh orange peel. Leafiness and meaty minerality add an extra dimension. The attack is lush and ripe, with full body, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and violet-soaked cherries to finish. Real precision here. Drinkable now, but best after 2025. (9/25/24)"

95+ points Luca Gardini: "Elegant and very well balanced. Nose with corniolo sensations, then caper fruits, black pepper in grains and hints of eucalyptus. Juicy and taut mouthfeel, with sapid tannins. It closes with memories of small fruits and balsamic sensations, accompanied by iodine memories. (Oct 2024)"

95 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The striking 2020 Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is intensely fragrant, offering aromas of ripe wild berry, blue flower, Mediterranean scrub and dark spice. Full-bodied and structured but also boasting weightless finesse, the savory palate delivers Morello cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2029–2035. Abv: 15%. (Nov 2024)"

95 points Vanessa Conlin (The Wine Independent): "This 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is little darker in color than some other Brunellos from the 2020 vintage. On the nose, it has appealing mixed fruit preserves, violets, grated nutmeg, black plum tart. It's very nicely balanced on the palate; the acid is well-integrated and cleanses the palate while retaining a pleasant roundness on the edges. The alcohol is just slightly warming but does not detract from the wine, and on the finish, orange peel, clove oil, and tapendade interplay amongst the fine and structured tannins. Very enjoyable! Alcohol 15%. Drink: 2025-2044. (12/12/24)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a grippy, lifted wine with aromas of black fruit, crushed stone, grilled rosemary and lavender. The wine reveals a meaty and ripe texture with chewy fruit flavors in this hot vintage. The high 15% alcohol content makes for a less elegant drinking experience. Drink: 2025-2038. (11/21/24)"

93 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "[$65 list] The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is impossible to ignore, with a burst of crushed plums and black cherries accentuated by sweet herbs, hints of tobacco and wilted violets. It's round and supple with dark red fruits, autumnal spices that swirl throughout and a hint of cocoa that embellishes the close. Despite its depth and concentration, the 2020 maintains energy while coming across as wonderfully refined, leaves fine-grained tannins to resonate beneath an air of lavender and mocha. Drink: 2026-2034. (Nov 2024)"