Le Ripi Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d’Ulisse 2020

96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – 93 Points, Wine Spectator

This insanely beautiful 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d’Ulisse from Le Ripi comes from the western slopes of their vineyards, surrounded by fresh forest, where biodynamically farmed Sangiovese ferments spontaneously in cone-shaped Vosges oak vats for months – sometimes years. The wine then ages in large oak casks for up to 40 months before settling in concrete vats prior to bottling.

Jeb Dunnuck gave it 96 points, calling it “pure and pristine, with notes of candied cherries, pressed flowers, sweet herbs, and fresh earth” with “good structure, ripe, well-defined tannins, and a long, pure finish.” He notes it’s “very appealing now” but “has the bones to age with ease over the next 10-15 years.” I think he hit the tasting note on the head, but the score is at least a point or two short. Points be damned though – this is an incredible wine and one that deserves a place in every serious collector’s cellar.