Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso 2018

98 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted. Drink: 2025–2038. 14.5% abv. (Nov 2022)"

97+ points Luca Gardini: "A certainty of the denomination for Bianchini family’s winery, located a few steps from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Very faceted nose, red currant, then marjoram and iodine touches, such as taggiasche olives. The sip is juicybrackish, with fruity-officinal return and very long persistence. (Oct 2022)"

97 points James Suckling: "This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025. (Dec 2022)"

97 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright, dense ruby red. A beautiful nose with notes of wild raspberries, ripe plums, some cardamom and rose petals. Round and supple on the palate, with a lovely sweet texture, wonderful notes of raspberries, finely meshed, slightly grippy tannins, savoury, with an attractive slightly bitter touch on the finish. (Oct 2023)"

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$130 list] A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Drink: 2025-2045. (Mar 2023)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Comforting, classic Sangiovese aromas of vanilla, orange peel, cherry and cola on the nose transition onto a palate that levels up the sophistication with austere tannins and fiery acidity balanced by violet, cherry and more orange zest onto a coffee finish. (Sep 2023)"