BigHammerWines.com

Decanter stamped 2020 Brunello with a 4/5 vintage rating, calling it fresh, seductive, and instantly satisfying. And among the standouts? This 2020 Mate is definitely delivering one of the prettiest, most mineral-driven wines of the year.

The Máté family wine estate nestles on two private hills on the sea-breeze-ventilated side of Montalcino. A Roman vineyard 2,000 years ago, the seven campi of marvelously varied terroir totaling 7 hectares are surrounded by Mediterranean woods, herbs, and wild fruit. The vineyards were designed by Fabrizio Moltard, Angelo Gaja’s agronomist, and the clones chosen by France’s Pierre Guillaume.

The grapes: Sangiovese (in fossil-filled tufo), Merlot (in sandy clay), Cabernet Sauvignon (in marl), and Syrah ( mineral-rich southern terraces like Côte Rôtie) are planted to a high density of 6,200 vines per hectare (3,000 per acre). The yields are kept extremely low by three annual green prunings to concentrate flavors and perfumes.

Selected, hand-picked at fullest maturity, and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless steel vats or new wooden barrels, the grapes are punched down by hand to extract colors and tannins, while the must is kept cool to maintain the rich aromas of fruits and spices. The wines are aged for up to two and a half years in Allier French oak barriques and tonneaux.

At the Máté vineyards and winery, no effort is spared to yield wines of great refinement, replete with unforgettable flavors.

Aging: The wine matures for up to 3 years in 500 and 4,000-liter French oak, and ages in bottles for a minimum of 6 months.

ABV: 14.5%

100% Sangiovese.

On the nose, complex and fresh, with inviting fruit aromas balanced by oak-imparted spices. Well-structured and full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins that promise great aging capacity; long and impressive finish. An ideal companion to red meat entrées, hearty stews, and assorted cheeses.

Beautiful sweet cherries and berries with a hint of watermelon on the nose. Fragrant. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a bright, vivid finish. Lots of energy and crunch. Drink after 2026. ~ 94 James Suckling

A core of plum and cherry is shaded by Mediterranean herb, earth and mineral notes in this dense red. Muscular, with beefy tannins, plus a ray of acidity that drives the flavors to the lingering conclusion. Best from 2028 through 2045. 1,030 cases made, 200 cases imported. ~ 93 Wine Spectator

Layered on the nose, it opens with hints of Sicilian oranges and ripe medlars, but also wild strawberries and redcurrants. In the secondary profile, blackberries, wild violet flowers and warm asphalt. On the palate, full body, firm tannins and a slightly drying finish. Better from 2027. ~ 93 WinesCritic.com

A jeweled ruby/magenta color, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is expressive and fruit-forward in the glass with ripe aromas of mixed berry compote, candied licorice, crushed flowers, and forest floor. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a weightless feel and refreshing, even acidity, as well as fine tannins and a clean finish. It's a very charming Brunello with a lot of immediate appeal to enjoy over the next 6-8 years. ~ 91 Jeb Dunnuck

Vibrant black cherry combines with autumnal spices, mentholated herbs and hints of camphor as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is juicy and round with lifted wild berry fruits and hints of violet pastille, all guided by fresh acidity. Its minerality comes through in the finish, mingling with fine tannins and nuances of licorice as the 2020 tapers off with admirable length and a sweet herbal thrust. ~ 90 Vinous Media

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