Podere Le Ripi Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d'Ulisse 2019

98 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Smooth and delicious, the 2019 Podere Le Ripi Cielo d’Ulisse has captivating aromas of violet, ripe plum, exotic spice, new leather and a whiff of truffle. Full-bodied and enveloping, the palate shows ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, blood orange and tobacco alongside a backbone of tightly woven, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced while a salty note lingers on the close. Drink 2028–2039. Abv: 14%. (Nov 2023)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A medium red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Cielo D'Ulisse is the fourth vintage coming from the vineyards overlooking the Ombrone River. It’s wonderfully expressive and cascades from the glass with aromas of wild Mediterranean herbs, dusty earth, ripe raspberry, fresh leather, and porcini. Medium-bodied, it’s graceful through the palate, with fine tannins, even acidity, and clean mineral accents. It’s a very appealing wine with a lot of character to enjoy over the next 15 years.Podere Le Ripi is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate and was founded by Francesco Illy in 1997. Today its production is led by head winemaker Sebastian Nasello. They are situated at approximately 200 meters elevation and are practicing biodynamic viticulture. Drink: 2024-2039. (2/28/24)"

94 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Dark and intense, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d'Ulisse entices with a burst of exotic spice, zests of tangerine, cedar shavings and rum-soaked cherries. This is cool-toned and racy in style, with crisp wild berry fruits enhanced by vibrant acidity. Violet inner florals arch across the palate. This maintains momentum even as crunchy tannins descend upon the senses, leaving a stain of tart cranberry and orange slowly fading. I expect that three to five years of cellaring will reveal a Brunello of boundless energy. The Cielo d'Ulisse is a single vineyard wine that hails from vineyards in the extreme southwest of Montalcino. Drink: 2026-2034. (Dec 2023)"

93 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "An elegant red, offering vivid cherry and strawberry flavors driven by vibrant acidity, with sinewy tannins underneath. Accents of earth and flowers chime in as this winds down on the dense finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 1,300 cases made, 150 cases imported. (6/30/24)"

92 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "The clean and sumptuous 2019 Cielo Ulisse bounces out of the glass with cherry and apricot, as traces of chestnut flit in the background. A pulpy core of juicy red berries is framed by sandy tannins and lifted by bright acidity. This tapers off with a twist of orange peel. Midweight, pretty and immediately approachable. Francesco Illy’s holdings in Montalcino’s western limit sit at a low 150 metres on alluvial, silty soil strewn with stones. While the vines bask in the strong afternoon sun, the thick surrounding forest helps mitigate the heat. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (11/14/23)"