Capanna Brunello di Montalcino 2015

I’m sure that the magnificent winemaker Patrizio Cenioni prefers not to go by the dubious honor of “most underappreciated man in Montalcino” but that is certainly the moniker for which he is best known. The brilliant winemaking mind has consistently wowed me throughout the years, every time I stop by his gorgeous estate to sink my teeth into his Brunellos, Riserva and Rosso di Montalcinos. Every bottle he pulls out is like a symphony, with every note of music carefully pieced together. He’s a bit of a romantic.

Patrizio is a slim guy who is probably in his late 60’s or early 70’s now, but hasn’t slowed down for one second. He has a gorgeous sprawling property located north of Montalcino in the area of Montosoli – widely considered the home to some of the very best crus of Brunello.

Almost every time I’ve visited, I’ve waited for Patrizio and his son, Amedeao to come back from the vineyards that Patrizio’s grandfather, Giuseppe planted throughout the 1950s. They’re so hardworking and humble, it’s always a great visit.

It’s been a while since I last saw those guys, but the wine I have today was one of the very best that I’ve tried. It comes from the 99-point 2015 vintage that James Suckling heralded as “one of the very best ever in Montalcino.” Of course as always, Patrizio’s Brunello comes very highly rated, but I’d almost prefer it wasn’t. Then we’d be locking into secretly one of the best Brunellos made each year, and we’d have more than five stinking cases to spread around.