This is part of an extensive program of content on Italian wines and culture over the summer of 2020 on JamesSuckling.com. Read this post to see more examples of the stories we will be posting over the next few weeks.
Brunello was the highlight of our tastings in 2019, as James reported in his report 2015: Brunello’s Fairy-Tale Vintage. And now after tasting more than 200 Brunello 2015 bottles in total, dozens scored 95 points or more. We gave 11 wines perfect 100-point ratings, making this mind-blowing vintage a standout in our 2019 Top 100 Wines report. Plus our best wine of 2019 was the compelling 100-point Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2015. How star-studded this vintage is! And how excited we are to be able share these awesome wines with our readers via this list of great bottles that cost less than US$40.
“The words for the 2015 vintage are density, tannins and freshness,” said Roberto Guerrini of Eredi Fuligni in our report from 2019. Many 2015 wines show polished tannins that intertwine with a high density of fresh fruit, creating a seamless texture with flavors going on and on in the finish.
Although we have to return to taste these wines again in the future, we are very tempted to say that 2015 is the best Brunello vintage we have ever encountered. With so many wines scoring over 95 points and 11 wines scoring 100 points, it certainly compares to other great years of the appellation including 1997, 2006, 2007, and 2010. If anything, it is even more sensational.
Now, with the 2015 Brunello wines in the market, it is the perfect chance to realize you don’t have to splurge to drink excellent bottles. Prego!
Also check out our recently published documentary on the region: The Magic of Brunello, which features interviews with six leading winemakers who are dedicated to making Brunello di Montalcino one of the great red wines of the world.
10 great value Brunello 2015 wines
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS95
Available at KLWines.com: $34.99
Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS95
Available at Zachys: $39.99
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS95
Available at Vivino: $39.40
Available at Zachys: $39.99
Available at Wine.com: $39.99
Available at JJBuckley: $41.99
Available at Totalwine.com: $44.99
La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS94
Available at KLWines.com: $29.99
Available at Vivino: $37.99
Tenuta di Sesta Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS94
Available at KLWines.com: $34.99
Poggiotondo Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS94
Available at Wine.com:$37.99
Available at Vivino: $37.99
Il Valentiano Brunello di Montalcino Campo di Marzo 2015 – JS93
Available at KLWines.com: $29.99
Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS93
Available at KLWines.com: $34.99
Available at Vivino: $34.99
Available at Zachys: $36.99
Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS93
Available at KLWines.com: $34.99
Collina dei Lecci Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – JS93
US Average Price: $38
– Zekun Shuai, associate editor in Beijing
