“Paolo Bianchini excels with rich, sumptuous Brunellos that capture the generosity that is such a signature of the southern end of Montalcino. The wines are dense, extracted and powerful.” Antonio Galloni, on the star winemaker at Ciacci

For some reason, this gem has been overshadowed by its bigger siblings... but for Rich and I, there is no better bang for the buck than Ciacci's normale Brunello... we love its balance between fruit and earth, tannins and elegance. Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate says, "This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I'd describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit." Exactly!

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Sale $57.99 

• 97 pts Wine Enthusiast - Red-berry, wild-rose, crushed mint and dark-spice aromas are front and center on this fragrant red. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but also boasts finesse, offering layers of raspberry jam, smooth licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of enveloping, velvety tannins. 
• 95+ pts Wine Advocate - The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino (with 56,000 bottles made) shows bold cherry, spice, crushed stone and balsam herb that come together in seamless fashion. This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I'd describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit. The wine is fueled by the golden light that hits this part of Tuscany in those last hours of the day. Here is a wine that shows spirit of place.
• 95 pts James Suckling - Lots of red and blue fruit to this, evolving into wet leaves, freshly turned soil and brewed tea. Light herbal notes. Sweet cherries, too. It's full bodied with silky, firm tannins. More minerality and tea notes on the finish. Elegant and driven. Drink after 2023.

Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.