94 Decanter

With vineyards in the Canalicchio zone just north of the town of Montalcino Padelletti credits the calcareous clay soil for curbing water stress. Harvest dates and quantities were similar to the average and slightly shorter macerations and cooler fermentations were applied to preserve freshness. The 2017 is very discreet at first ? which isn?t unusual - but then opens up with pretty perfumes of balsamic herbs dry earth and even preserved cherries. The palate is lively and pretty with powdery and finessed tannins. Denser than Padelletti?s wines usually show this has more perceptible dry extract but is still ever so classy. Drinking Window 2023 - 2030

93 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a classic bouquet of dusty dried cherries rubbed sage and hints of underbrush and worn leather. It?s elegant yet light on its feet presenting a pure display of bright red berries and savory spices as an air of balsam herbs forms toward the close. The tannins are surprisingly well-rounded for this vintage as the 2017 tapers off lightly structured with rosy florals minerals and a lovely freshness that makes it very easy to return to the glass for more. While Sara Rossi of Padelletti spoke of the difficulties of the vintage and the work done in the vineyards and winery to counteract it she also explained that production was average which makes me wonder just how much fruit Padelletti doesn?t use in a normal year. That said this is a total success for the vintage. (Drink between 2024-2029)