LE RAGNAIE
TUSCANY , ITALY
Why Buy: The hand-crafted, small-production, detail-conscious Brunellos from Le Ragnaie, a mom ‘n’ pop in Montalcino, belong in the very upper echelon of Brunello, and no less an eminence than Antonio Galloni of Vinous has hailed this small estate’s “virtually unheard-of level of success.” This stellar trio (96 points, 96 points, 94 points) of elegant, single-vineyard Brunellos from their 2018 portfolio delivers some of the most knock-out Italian wines we've had the great good fortune of drinking this year.
What They're Saying: Monica Larner awarded 96 points to the Brunello di Montalcino Passo del Lume Spento 2018, writing, in The Wine Advocate, of its "lifted aromas" and "tannins [that] melt softly over the palate." Jeb Dunnuck was just as enamored of the Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli 2018, a 96-point wine "lush with ripe red cherry, crushed stones, and forest floor ... with ripe and velvety tannins that bring more richness and depth" and a "long finish." As for the Brunello di Montalcino 2018, Larner pronounced it "delicate and fine," a 94-point wine of "medium-rich concentration, pretty freshness and silky tannins."
The Story: The best wines from Montalcino tend to be those that come from the highest elevations, and the Campinotis are blessed with the highest-elevation vineyards in all of Montalcino. Not content to rest on this natural gift, however, they also have made a number of savvy decisions in cultivating this land. Terroir expressiveness being of the utmost concern for them, they divided their vineyard into three distinct parcels, enabling them to produce single-vineyard wines, each featuring a different expression of the land —an idea of viticulture," wrote the Slow Wine Guide 2018, that "seeks out individual characteristics and expressive peculiarities." But what enabled the Campinotis to become world-class was something that goes beyond even that of the land — namely, Richard's "intellectual curiosity about the world's great wines,” wrote Galloni, which “clearly fuels and inspires him."
Our Tasting Notes: All the depth and concentration that makes Brunello so distinctive is here, and in glorious abundance. But in our recent tastings, what stood out to us was the lift here, the danceability, the finesse of all three of these wines. In the Brunello di Montalcino Passo del Lume Spento 2018 (only 3,700 bottles made) and Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli 2018, this marriage of power and elegance is at its zenith; these are impressive, fully-realized expressions, with a lingering intensity, but also a welcome softness and subtly-conveyed opulence. The Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a touch lighter, with more emphasis on expressiveness.
ABV: All are 13.5%.
What to Pair Them With: Steaks; pasta Bolognese; mushroom tarts; aged, ripened cheeses; charcuterie boards.
Fun Fact: The Campinotis have been more vigilant about reining in the alcohol levels of their Brunellos, and the 2018 vintage shows the literal fruits of that effort, in wines that don't lack for weight and depth, but are more elegant, and also more inviting to sip all by themselves.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in SPRING 2024. 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 only valid in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MO, NJ, TX, VA and WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, Thursday, December 14, 2023.
