CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

TUSCANY, ITALY 2019

Why Buy: From “the ultimate Brunello di Montalcino estate," in the estimation of Forbes, and one of our favorite producers in all of Italy, we’re excited to bring you a stellar portfolio tour of the venerable Castiglion del Bosco,  headlined by a 97-point Brunello Riserva Millecento from the epic 2016 vintage (that’s ready to drink right now), along with a 97-pointer and 96-pointer from the 2019 vintage that we think are every bit as compelling. Each of these expressive, delicately-crafted wines speaks to the passion and patience of Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo (yes, of the ultra-luxury design line), who have fused time-honored traditions with cutting-edge innovation to elevate an already extraordinary terroir. The result? Wines not just to collect, but to cherish.

 

The Story: Perched atop a picture-perfect Tuscan hillside, Castiglion del Bosco's 12th-century castle stands sentinel over 5,000 acres of history. For centuries, its 152 acres of vineyards have been a cornerstone of Montalcino's winemaking legacy (and since 2004,it has been  part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to boot). But it was in 2003 that this sleeping giant truly awakened, when the Ferragamos purchased the property and brought their visionary touch to the estate. The dashing couple approached Castiglion del Bosco with the same attention to detail and drive that made the family name synonymous with luxury. Under their stewardship, the estate has become a striking blend of old and new, as medieval architecture now coexists with state-of-the-art  viticulture. Their commitment is evident in every aspect of the day-to-day operation, from the meticulously restored resort to the organic certification that the couple was so determined to seek (it was granted in 2016). Ancient terroir, modern expertise, and a family's uncompromising pursuit of excellence: it’s an irresistible and, to our minds, unbeatable formula.

 

The Bottlings: Each wine in our curated selection is a distinct expression of Castiglion del Bosco's terroir. The Brunello Riserva Millecento represents the pinnacle of the estate's production, crafted only in exceptional vintages. The Brunello di Montalcino offers a classic interpretation of the appellation, while the Campo del Drago showcases the unique characteristics of its namesake vineyard. The Rosso Cru Gauggiole, primarily sourced from the Gauggiole vineyard, presents a fresher, more approachable style.

 

Our Tasting Notes: 

* The 2016 Brunello Riserva Millecento is a tour de force of winemaking prowess, from the aromatic complexity that initially greets you (ripe cherries and wild strawberries up front, then yielding to  earthy truffle notes and a whisper of fine leather) to the waves of complex fruit balanced by fine-grained tannins. The finish seems endless, promising decades of evolution in the cellar. A wine built for contemplation of life’s mysteries and wonders.

* In the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, we find a wine of remarkable purity and intensity. The nose is a heady mix of black cherry, sun-warmed forest fruits, and subtle notes of vanilla and balsamic. It coats the palate with layers of flavor, its full body perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity. The tannins are beautifully integrated, suggesting both immediate pleasure and long-term potential. Sangiovese at its most expressive.

* The 2019 Campo del Drago showcases the unique terroir of its namesake plot. Bold red fruits leap from the glass, quickly followed by a beguiling array of exotic spices, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The palate is structured yet supple, with a core of ripe fruit framed by firm tannins and bright acidity. This is a wine of great character and persistence, embodying the best of the vintage.

* The 2021 Rosso Cru Gauggiole offers a different perspective on the estate. Here we find a wine of immediate charm and accessibility. Fresh red fruits dominate the nose, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it's lithe and energetic, with a purity of fruit that's utterly captivating. While more approachable in youth than its Brunello counterparts, it still bears the unmistakable stamp of Castiglion del Bosco's terroir-focused approach.

Fun Fact: If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend the day, or days, at Castiglion del Bosco, be sure to stop by their 18-hole golf course, designed by the legendary Tom Weiskopf, who won 16 PGA titles between 1968 and 1982. Brunello and birdies, anyone?

Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these wines come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, July 14th, 2024.