Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013
Wine Enthusiast 100 Points | Dark spice, pipe tobacco, blue flower, crushed herb and wild berry are just some of the aromas you'll find on this stunningly beautiful, fragrant red. Vibrant and elegant, the radiant palate has great intensity and energy, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and star anise set against a backbone of bright acidity and firm, refined tannins. A classic Brunello, with stunning body and superb pedigree, it will age for decades. Drink 2023–2043.
Vinous 97 Points | Deep red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, strawberry, tea leaf and crushed stone are lifted by a lovely violet topnote. Bright, dense and juicy, this features lively, harmonious acidity extending the very precise, pure, multilayered flavors of red currant, sweet spices and red cherry on the long vibrant finish. A really beautiful wine. Bravi! Real Italian wine experts know that Le Chiuse owns vineyards in one of the best areas for Sangiovese in all of Montalcino; for example, it is from this area that Biondi-Santi sourced its Sangiovese grapes for many of its famous Brunello Riservas.
The Wine Advocate 96+ Points | Le Chiuse delivers an impeccable wine that beautifully captures the classic side of this elegant vintage. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a gorgeous garnet color that is both luminous and sultry. The bouquet takes a minute or two to reach cruising altitude. Once it does, it reveals wild cherry, rose hip, blanched almond and sassy licorice or spice. It is aged in large oak casks for 38 months, and the fruit is farmed organically. This is an absolute breakout vintage for Le Chiuse, and the wine already shows the textural richness for prolonged aging. Bravo!
Decanter 93 Points | Owned by Simonetta Valiani, daughter of the late Fiorella Biondi Santi, Le Chiuse is an 18ha estate located in the northern sector of Montalcino. Until 1993, these grapes went into Biondi Santi's Riserva. The 2013 is restrained yet inviting, with wafts of flowers, white pepper and mint leading to deeper forest notes on the palate. Elegantly sculptured tannins build in power, and succulent sour cherry lingers on the finish.
The Wine Spectator 93 Points | A ripe style, sporting black pepper, cherry, plum and licorice flavors, accented by earth and tobacco notes. Shows enough freshness and structure for aging, with a fine, lingering aftertaste.
James Suckling 92 Points | The fresh berry and hints of rose petal come through on the nose. Full body and chewy tannins but plenty of dried fruits and bright acidity.