Discover the ranking of the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino from 1945 to today with the rating indicated in stars. The classification of the vintages of Brunello di Montalcino ranges from the maximum excellence of five stars, attributed exclusively to the best vintages, to a minimum of one star for the worst vintages.
Vintage Brunello di Montalcino
1970✭✭✭✭✭
1971✭✭✭
1972✭
1973✭✭✭
1974✭✭
1975✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
1976✭
1977✭✭✭✭
1978✭✭✭✭
1979✭✭✭✭
1980✭✭✭✭
1981✭✭✭
1982✭✭✭✭
1983✭✭✭✭
1984✭
1985✭✭✭✭✭(+)
1986✭✭✭
1987✭✭✭
1988✭✭✭✭✭(+)
1989✭✭
1990✭✭✭✭✭
1991✭✭✭✭
1992✭✭
1993✭✭✭✭
1994✭✭✭✭
1995✭✭✭✭✭
1996✭✭✭
1997✭✭✭✭✭(+)
1998✭✭✭✭
1999✭✭✭✭✭(+)
2000✭✭✭
2001✭✭✭✭✭
2002✭✭
2003✭✭✭
2004✭✭✭✭✭
2005✭✭✭✭
2006✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
2007✭✭✭✭1/2
2008✭✭✭✭
2009✭✭✭✭
2010✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
2011✭✭✭✭
2012✭✭✭✭
2014✭✭✭
2015✭✭✭✭✭
2016✭✭✭✭✭(+)
2017✭✭✭✭
2018✭✭✭✭
2019✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
Climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino vintages
2019 – Brunello di Montalcino vintages
Climate trend:
The seasonal climate trend was of great help to us, with spring rains which allowed the creation of important water reserves in the soil, suitable for facing a moderately hot summer characterized by reduced rainfall. The climate, in the first half of the year, was harsher and more humid, and slightly delayed the vegetative cycle of the vine.
The summer was hot but fairly regular, without particular prolonged heat peaks or abundant rainfall. The month of September was characterized by fantastic weather, mild temperatures and large temperature variations, little rainfall, which allowed the perfect phenolic maturation of the grapes. This produced slow fermentations, during which there was a great extraction ofcolour, with a very goodacidity, integrated with a good concentration of polyphenols, ensuringcomplexity.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2019 vintage:
TheBrunellispresent verybalanced analytical datawith peak values relating toanthocyaninsandpolyphenols. In general, they all appear verycomplex, broad, with astructure that does not overwhelm the balance, and where the acidity is marked, despite a not low alcohol component. This is mainly due to the perfect conditions of maturity of the grapes arriving in the cellar.
2018 – Brunello di Montalcino vintages
2018 should be considered a cold and rainy year, winter and spring were characterized by heavy rains until June and
they were also abundant in the usually dry period of late August and early September, while the month of July was dry and hot. Temperatures have often been below average and there have never been heat peaks, only the month of July has been more constant while
September had lower temperatures. The vines had good growth in the May-June period but with a clear delay due to the low temperatures, budding was in mid-April and flowering at the end of May. The stable weather in July facilitated the start of veraison, however the rains in late August and early September slowed down the ripening. Luckilythe end of September was dry and the grapes completed ripening.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2018 vintage:
2018 is once again a classic vintage. The climate has revived mild temperatures, not too hot compared to recent years. The maturations were a little longer, without heat peaks. The freshness and aroma are the distinctive features while the concentration of polyphenols and the aging potential are more lacking. Perhaps not one of the best Montalcino vintages in terms of aging potential.
Evaluation in stars of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino vintage:✭✭✭✭
2017 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Climatic trend:
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a spring with mild temperatures and low rainfall, conditions that favored budding and early flowering. Since May there has been an increase in thermal values above the seasonal averages and no rains. In conditions of low water supply, the plants responded positively, especially the older vines.
The incessant heat came to a halt in the first week of August, so much so that temperatures dropped significantly; this change has brought an immediate benefit to the vine, which has given important responses both on the distribution system and on the clusters. Quantitatively speaking, 2017 was a difficult year, with a production decline of between about 25% -30% compared to last year.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2017 vintage:
The Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2017 vintage are characterized by very interesting, lively and deep intensity and tones, with intense olfactory notes, often alcoholic and fruity, and generally well ripe and soft tannins. In general the wines are endowed with less acidity and therefore perceptible freshness. Perhaps not one of the best vintages of Montalcino but on average it is possible to find many balanced wines.
Rating in stars of vintage 2017 Brunello di Montalcino: ✭✭✭✭
2016 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Climate trend: The 2016 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by rains distributed regularly until early spring. Flowering and fruit set took place in conditions that did not create particular criticalities from a phytopathological point of view. The central rains of July favored an adequate water resource to balance the high temperatures of July and the following August, which were characterized by excellent temperature variations.
The maturation was therefore long, of great importance both for the aromas and for the quality of the tannins, creating the conditions for a great vintage. In September, the first collection operations were recorded around the middle of the month. The closure of the harvest operations coincided with the middle of the month, benefiting from long dry and well-ventilated periods.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2016 vintage:
The Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2016 vintage are characterized by intense and characteristic aromas of fresh red fruit. Excellent persistence on the palate and aromatic intensity and sensational balance of the components of polyphenols, extract, tannins, glycerin and good acidity with low pH. Excellent conditions for long-lived wines with personality. A memorable Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ripe and enveloping tannins, harmonious wines with excellent evolutionary potential, deservedly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
Rating in stars for the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭✭✭
2015 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Climate trend: The winter was sparsely rainy and with low temperatures in January / February. Spring precipitation in the seasonal average allowed to create water reserves to overcome the hot months of July / August. The month of September was mild, with good temperature variations between day and night, favoring the perfect ripening of the grapes.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2015 vintage:
Deep wines endowed with great extract, lively and intense colors and vigorous tannins of good maturity. Important alcoholic components, in rare cases also in evidence. Crisp, intense and penetrating fruity aromas. An exceptional vintage of Brunello di Montalcino: great character and excellent evolutionary potential, deservedly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
2015 Brunello di Montalcino vintage star rating: ✭✭✭✭✭
2014 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2014 climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2014 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by rain and mild temperatures. The fresh spring with frequent rainfall favored a regular vegetative development of the plant. The atypical summer with below average temperatures and abundant rains caused greater difficulties in the phytosanitary management of the vineyard. Several steps of peeling and a careful selection of the bunches have allowed us to harvest healthy and balanced grapes.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2014 vintage:
Perhaps not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino due to the critical climatic trend that has created wines that are not always balanced with some roughness and less suitable for aging.
Evaluation of vintage 2014 Brunello di Montalcino: ✭✭✭
2013 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
2013 vintage climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2013 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino enjoyed a beneficial winter rich in rains that restored the soil moisture level to optimal levels after the drought 2012 vintage. Germination and flowering took place in the typical periods of recent years and the climatic trend summer which did not register extreme values, recalled the “traditional” vintages of the past. The harvest began in the second half of September, favored by excellent temperature variations and by rains that fell at the right times.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2013 vintage:
Among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino: the wines sensationally reconcile structure and finesse. Good acidity that gives it freshness and wines with interesting aging potential. An excellent good vintage but with not always homogeneous results.
Evaluation of the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭✭
2012 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2012 climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
After a harsh winter with snowy phenomena – positive events that only partially favored the accumulation of water in the strata – the 2012 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by a relatively hot spring. The summer was very hot and without rainfall. The rains of early September slightly restored the balance, favoring the ripening of the Sangiovese grapes. A year characterized by a great summer drought that saw a strong reduction in yields: small berries and enormous concentration of grapes.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2012 vintage:
Fully among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino, opulent and Mediterranean wines with an important alcoholic component, great extract and interesting aging potential.
2012 Brunello di Montalcino vintage rating: ✭✭✭✭✭
2011 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
2011 vintage climate trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2011 vintage relating to Brunello di Montalcino was marked by abundant spring rains and the high temperatures of the period caused an early vegetative development of about ten to fifteen days. This caused a consequent advance on veraison in the second decade of July. Between late August and early September, temperatures were high. Early harvest of over a week, with very low yields but good quality of the grapes.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2011 vintage:
Perhaps not exactly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino for finesse and balance, but with qualitative peaks to take into consideration.
Evaluation of vintage 2011 Brunello di Montalcino: ✭✭✭✭
22010 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2010 weather trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2010 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by optimal climatic conditions. Good spring rainfall, hot and dry summer with not excessive temperatures. September with a very adequate climate: good daytime temperatures and cool nights. The ripening has evolved in an optimal way.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2010 vintage:
Historic vintage, certainly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino: wines of important concentration, polyphenolic maturity, complexity, olfactory finesse and sensational aging potential.
Evaluation of vintage 2010 Brunello di Montalcino: ✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
2009 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2009 climate trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2009 vintage in the Brunello di Montalcino area was characterized by a winter that recorded average rainfall in the season. The abundant spring rains slowed down the vegetative growth. Typical dry summer with modest rainfall. Regular harvest period with healthy and ripe grapes.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2009 vintage:
A vintage with patchy results due to some critical issues linked to the not very linear climatic trend, perhaps not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino but some wines stand out for their quality.
Evaluation of the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭✭
2008 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Climatic trend of the 2008 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2008 vintage in relation to Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by abundant spring rainfall. Summer temperatures in the seasonal norm.An exceptional hailstorm on August 15th caused a consequent significant reduction in production. The dry and dry pre-harvest period made it possible to manually eliminate the damaged bunches to reach the harvest of healthy and qualitatively very good grapes in the first ten days of September.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2008 vintage:
A year with a lower extract and greater smoothness but with peaks of excellence, perhaps not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino for aging potential.
Evaluation of vintage 2008 Brunello di Montalcino: ✭✭✭✭
2007 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
2007 vintage climate trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2007 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by a mild winter with little rain. A temperate summer season was preceded by warm spring months. Beneficial rains in mid-August led to a regular harvest period.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2007 vintage:
One of the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino for depth and volume: a warm year with tannins of good maturity, concentration and olfactory intensity with penetrating fruity notes and good aging potential.
Evaluation of the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭✭1 / 2
2006 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2006 weather trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2006 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by a rainy and not too cold winter. The slight delay in bud break was recovered by June. The copious spring rains made it possible to pass the summer period without stress, bringing the grapes to a very balanced ripeness.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2006 vintage:
Historic vintage, an exceptional vintage of Brunello di Montalcino characterized by excellent polyphenolic concentrations, important alcoholic components assisted by strong acidity and complex and elegant aromatic profiles. Deservedly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
2006 Brunello di Montalcino vintage evaluation: ✭✭✭✭✭ (+)
2005 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Climatic trend 2005 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2005 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by a cold and rainy winter which delayed bud break by about 10 days (April 10-15). Typical hot summer. A cooler and rainier than average autumn led to a slow and very balanced ripening.
2005 vintage Brunello di Montalcino wines:
Interesting wines with heterogeneous patchy results and some roughness. A normal vintage perhaps not one of the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
2005 Brunello di Montalcino vintage evaluation: ✭✭✭✭
2004 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
2004 vintage climate trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2004 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino recorded optimal climatic conditions. Good spring rainfall, not excessive temperatures in July and August with some beneficial downpours. The vines brought the grapes to perfect ripeness. After a few very early years, in 2004 the harvest returned to a “normal” period, with the Sangiovese beginning on 20 September.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2004 vintage:
Wines of great maturity, intense colors, richness and tannic maturity with important alcoholic components but well integrated by the incisive acidity of Sangiovese that create balance. Deservedly among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2004 Brunello di Montalcino evaluation: ✭✭✭✭✭
2003 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2003 climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2003 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino saw a winter with little rain and not too cold, but a long one. A delay in bud break has limited the damage caused by the frost of 8 April, which in any case reduced production in several vineyards. After the rain on April 21, there was no rainfall until after the harvest. Temperatures with excursions above 40 ° C in July and August.
Brunello di Montalcino wines from the 2003 vintage:
A vintage perhaps not exceptional, controversial with many conflicting opinions: The 2003 vintage in Montalcino was hot, with large alcoholic components in evidence and more tired acidity that compromised the balance and overall elegance of the wines. Probably not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
Evaluation of the 2003 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭
2002 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
2002 vintage climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2002 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino recorded a cold winter, spring and early summer with very little rainfall. Higher temperatures in June than in July. Frequent rains from early August to late autumn. Repeated thinning and careful selections have made it possible to produce very fruity and good quality wines.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2002 vintage:
A very critical year in which many producers have not bottled reserves. The wines are often unbalanced, with contracted tannins and tired acidity, not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
Vintage 2002 Brunello di Montalcino evaluation: ✭✭
2001 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2001 climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2001 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by the severe frost on April 16th, which fortunately drastically reduced the quantities to the advantage of quality. A heat wave in the last week of July and the first of August brought the harvest forward again considerably: the first Sangiovese was harvested on September 3rd.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 2001 vintage:
A fairly good vintage, but with frequent elements of harshness and tannins in some cases green and decomposed that alternate with wines of greater balance and finesse. Overall perhaps not an exceptional vintage among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino for different results but with some qualitative peaks to take into consideration.
Evaluation of the vintage Brunello di Montalcino 2001 in stars: ✭✭✭✭✭
2000 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 2000 climatic trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 2000 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was characterized by abundant rains in spring, late June and early July with high temperatures. Below are cooler temperatures until mid-August and 40 mm of beneficial rain. Torrid heat from mid to late August. During the harvest, by making a strict selection of the grapes and reducing the production, results of an extremely high level were obtained, with concentrations and colors above the average. Early harvest of about 15 days.
2000 vintage Brunello di Montalcino wines:
A year with important critical issues, many producers have not bottled their reserves. Wines with less concentration and maturity of polyphenols and less lively acidity, with less clear and defined fruity aromas. Vintage 2000 is probably not among the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
Vintage 2000 Brunello di Montalcino evaluation: ✭✭✭
1999 – Best Vintages Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage 1999 weather trend of Brunello di Montalcino:
The 1999 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was welcomed as a very good vintage, without particular climatic events: sufficient rainfall in spring, dry and hot summer, but not exaggeratedly. Beautiful autumn with optimal conditions for harvesting.
Brunello di Montalcino wines of the 1999 vintage:
1999 is an exceptional vintage that gave birth to wines of great volume, extract and intense colors. Important wines suitable for aging. Certainly one of the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.
Evaluation of the 1999 Brunello di Montalcino vintage: ✭✭✭✭✭
What is the best vintage of Brunello di Montalcino?
What are the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino? With the description of the climatic trend it is possible to understand many aspects. However, it remains important to underline that each winery that produces Brunello di Montalcino boasts vineyards with their own microclimate with their own specificities, which can also differ substantially.
It is therefore essential to evaluate the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino also on the merits of the wines themselves, not only by generalizing evaluations that have not always turned out to be so unique for everyone. In fact, in the last few years, many of the vintages of Brunello di Montalcino considered less fortunate have had the opportunity to redeem themselves by believing the forecasts. We therefore invite you to discover the uniqueness of your best vintages of the Brunello di Montalcino of your favorite wines.
