2020 Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany - 1.5L

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast.

Pian delle Vigne is Antinori’s Montalcino estate, producing a polished but traditionally grounded expression of Brunello centered on Sangiovese and maturation in large oak casks. The 2020 shows the vintage’s appealing combination of ripe fruit and freshness, with savory tannins giving the wine sufficient structure for patient development—particularly in magnum.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry and plum are joined by blood orange, violet and balsamic nuances, with tobacco, spice and a measured touch of vanilla emerging with air. The palate is vibrant and savory, balancing generous fruit with fresh acidity and refined tannins before a long, persistent finish.

Structure: Full-bodied yet composed, with lively acidity and polished, savory tannins providing definition beneath the ripe fruit. Maturation in large oak casks supports breadth and complexity while keeping the Sangiovese character clearly at the forefront.

Drink Window: 2027–2045+. The 2020 has the balance and structure for extended development, and the 1.5L magnum should mature more gradually than a standard bottle. Cellaring for another several years should bring greater integration and the leather, dried-herb and earthy complexity associated with mature Brunello.

Decanting: If opening the magnum now, allow approximately 90 minutes to two hours in a decanter, following the wine as it opens. Its youthful tannins will benefit from air; with additional bottle age, progressively shorten the aeration.

The magnum format makes the 2020 Pian delle Vigne particularly attractive for both cellaring and a future dinner built around a larger table. Its balance of ripe Sangiovese fruit, freshness and classical Brunello structure makes it equally suited to roast lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar, porcini or aged Pecorino.