WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. The bouquet is ethereal, violet, vanilla with hints of licorice. The wine tastes full, soft, velvety, with traces of spice.
TASTING NOTES:
Really fresh and vivid with sliced lemon and apple heading into cherry and floral undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins and a vivid and bright finish. This is so drinkable and pretty for the hot and dry 2017 vintage, which produced many heavy Brunellos.
- James Suckling, 93 pts.
This red is defined by the strawberry, cherry and floral aromas and flavors, graced by notes of tar, tobacco, eucalyptus and wild herbs. Firm and unforgiving on the finish for now, yet stays persistent and lively through the long aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2042.
- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
Subtle aromas of scorched earth, forest floor and mature berries mingle with a eucalyptus note. The full-bodied palate features cherry marinated in spirits, prune, roasted coffee bean and licorice framed in close-grained tannins. You'll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the close. While it reflects the heat of the vintage, it also shows polish and restraint.
- Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts.
The Castello Banfi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino relies on fruit freshness and varietal purity to show a classic side of this hot and dry vintage. The wine remains elegant and bright throughout with plenty of primary fruit, cherry and dried raspberry. It shows a clean, linear style with rosemary, blue flower and some green olive or wild fennel. This is a handy, near-term drinking wine with a hefty 15% alcohol that can be absorbed with a hearty pasta or lasagna.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts.
