Baricci Colombaio Montosoli, Brunello , 2015, Tuscany, Italy

96 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The full name of this estate is Baricci Colombaio Montosoli, and indeed it is one of the protagonists of the celebrated Montosoli vineyard. The Baricci 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is highly distinguished by its mineral side (with marl, marine fossil, schist quartz and Galestro soils), and that is truly the magic of this wine. There is a pungent note of raw grape at first, but it lifts to reveal forest berry, camphor ash and subtle touches of sweet spice. These elements come together like a tightly fitted mosaic. The wine is balanced and fresh, with just enough structure to add firmness and considerable length to its polished mid-weight frame. In fact, mouthfeel is this wine's strongest suit. Acidity is never a problem in Montosoli, located on the north side of Montalcino where day and night temperature shifts play an important role in slow fruit ripening. This warm vintage shows higher extract, but the overall balance allowed Baricci to bottle using very little sulfur (which could account for that little tangy note you get on first nose). The wine went into bottle in July 2019, and 15,000 bottles were made. It was released in January 2020. Federico and Francesco Buffi are the third generation to run this celebrated property. The estate's patriarchal figure, the late Nello Baricci, always said, "The earth is grateful for what you give it and it pays you back in kind." With that motto in mind, the family will soon be making important investments with the construction of a new and more modern winery and new vineyard planting on Montosoli with east-facing exposures. It will be enjoyable to watch the exciting news to come from Baricci." 1/20

96 Points, Ian D'Agata, Vinous: "Good full ruby-red. Captivating nose combines, ripe red cherry, black plum, minerals, herbs, mocha and sexy brown spices. Juicy and sweet, with refined, suave blackberry, raspberry, minerals and tobacco flavors dominating. Finishes extremely long, with a steely quality, fine-grained tannins and a multifaceted personality. Another great Brunello from Baricci." 4/20

17/20 Points, Walter Speller, Jancisrobinson.com: "Very mineral and brooding with an undertow of ripe fruit. Plenty of concentrated, ripe cherry and strawberry fruit and muscular yet finely built tannins. Long, firm finish that is elegant at the same time. Could do with a little more age."

94 Points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast: "Subdued aromas evoking underbrush, baked plum and scorched earth form the nose along with a balsamic whiff of camphor. Full bodied and chewy, the brawny, enveloping palate features dried cherry, licorice, coffee bean and the warmth of alcohol alongside firm, noble tannins. Drink 2022-2030." 04/20

95 Points, Michaela Morris, Decanter: "All 5ha of Baracci's vines are contained in one single vineyard on the hill of Montosoli. With a southeastern exposure, the vineyards are cooled by breezes from the north and east and the soils are a complex mix of marl, schist and quartz. The 2015 is effortlessly balanced, starting with suitably mellowed but still radiant aromas of fennel blossom, tobacco and crushed stone. It flows smoothly on the palate, demonstrating its cunning power with well-honed tannins. For now, underlying tasty red cherry is highly gratifying but this will express so much more in years to come." 2/20

95 Points, Raffaele Vecchione: "Deep on the nose with sweet notes of raspberries, currants, red hibiscus flowers and wild strawberries. The floral background with magnolia and elderflowers is delicious. Medium body, velvety tannins in shape and a finish with a nice spicy aftertaste with chinotto and bergamot. Better since 2021." 03/20.