Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2015

By 1960 – there was only an extremely modest 150 total acres of Brunello under vine. That’s when agricultural machinery pioneer and outsider Silvio Nardi (he was from Umbria) bought his two estates.

The first was Casale del Bosco – the castle and surrounding vineyards – purchased in 1950, followed by the Manachiara estate, purchased in 1962. In short order, this newcomer bought up a sizable percentage of all of Brunello and also fought hard as an outsider to make wines in a more modern and approachable style.

Of course, now, there’s very little original Brunello vineyard land to buy, so most has been newly planted. From 150 original acres, there are now almost 7,000 acres under vine.

Today’s 2015 Brunello comes from those two original estates – though under the control of a new guard, one of the few Brunellos produced today that is based on what Brunello soils used to be. It’s also got matching 94-point scores from Parker’s Wine Advocate and James Suckling.

And it’s a steal, here’s why.

When the 2015 vintage was first tasted in barrel – the vintage was rated a 97 by both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. And here’s what Antonio Galloni’s Vinous had to say about the wine:

“The classic Brunello is sourced from thirty-six estate parcels located around the town of Montalcino and matured for twenty-four months in oak, the first twelve months in first and second-pass barrique, and the second half in large Slavonian botti. It’s a great value for fans of the style, as well as the perfect introduction to the portfolio.”