A superb Brunello from one of Montalcino's top producers. Lisini concentrate on a traditional style with nuances of ripe red fruit and cured meat on a structure of fresh acids and smooth tannins. A real sense of volume and density is helped by the iron minerals in the sandy clay-silt soils, which lie at a cool 300-350 metres of altitude. With a subtle richness balanced by finesse and complexity, this is a Brunello treasure that offers great potential at this price.
95/100 Kerin O'Keefe (2018 Vintage)
"Red berry, new leather, forest floor and dog rose are just some of the enticing aromas you’ll discover on this lovely red. Elegantly structured, the savoury, balanced palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, licorice and white pepper alongside polished, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a saline note while bright acidity keeps it energized."
95/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter UK (2018 Vintage)
"Near Sant'Angelo in Colle, on the road that leads to Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Lisini is within the zone of Sesta. The estate preference is to pick quite late, and they are one of the last in the area to harvest. The relative ripeness and concentration is evident in 2018 but not at the expense of balance. In fact, Lisini’s Brunello is one of the vintage’s more exciting and profound wines. It opens slowly with hints of chestnut and smoke, then discloses dark cherry, iron and fragrant moist soil. Tannins are tightly stitched yet malleable, giving a satisfying mouthful. Finishes with a salty tang and mineral drive."
17.5/20 Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com (2018 Vintage)
"Deep, lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Very closed and backward on the nose. Cherry with the merest suggestion of dried fruit on the palate, but much more compelling than it sounds. Long yet still subdued on the finish and with finely grained tannins; only at the very end revealing complex depth. Skilfully made and more to come."
93/100 Robert Parkers Wine Advocate (2018 Vintage)
"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of medium-soft volume and intensity with dark fruit, ripe cherry, black plum, spice and sweet potting soil. That theme of sweetness continues to the plush, lightly textured palate. The wine is ready to drink in the near or medium term; the tannins are round and ready, and it concludes with bright acidity."
92/100 Eric Guido, Vinous (2018 Vintage)
"Like a kid in a candy store, taking in the confectionary spices, medicinal cherry, blueberry compote, and liquorice aromas of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a total pleasure. While silky and elegant, this is also racy and with depths of character, as red and black berries are complicated by notes of cinnamon, clove and a bitter dusting of cocoa. The 2018 finishes potent and long but only lightly structured, begging for some cellaring but also placing all of its goods on display. Nearly a minute goes by, and nuances of violet pastille and hard red candies still echo throughout."