CIACCI PICCOLOMINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 'PIANROSSO' 2021

The Pianrosso vineyard—named for its iron-rich, marl-laden soils—is the certified organic site upon which Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona built its reputation in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, spanning 11.6 hectares at 180–240 meters elevation on Montalcino's warm southern flank. Siblings Paolo and Lucia Bianchini select only the finest fruit from the parcel, aging it three years in 20–62 hl Slavonian oak before eight months in bottle. The 2021 earns 98 points from James Suckling and 97 from Kerin O'Keefe: red cherry, dried strawberry, black plum, violet, licorice, and cedar with velvety tannins and a powerful, spiced finish. Best after 2029.