#15 Wine Spectator Top 100 (2009 edition - 2004 vintage)
#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 (2006 edition - 2001 vintage)
#15 Wine Spectator Top 100 (2004 edition - 1999 vintage)
#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 (2002 edition - 1997 vintage)
95-Points by James Suckling & Wine Enthusiast.
Eucalyptus, blue flower, baked plum and spice aromas shape the nose in this fragrant red. Full bodied and chewy, the savory palate delivers ripe black cherry, vanilla, licorice and espresso alongside tightly knit, velvety tannins.
 
Italy's first DOCG in July 1980, alongside Piedmont's Barolo.
Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, located about 80 km south of Florence, in the Tuscan wine region.
Aging
Brunello: 4-2-4
Brunello Riserva: 5-2-6
Brunello (annata): minimum 4 years of aging, including at least 2 years in wood and at least 4 months in bottle; it can be released starting January 1 of the 5th year after harvest.
Brunello Riserva: minimum 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in wood and at least 6 months in bottle; release is January 1 of the 6th year after harvest.
Sangiovese Grosso or Prugnolo Gentile (locally Brunello): Noted for having thicker-skinned berries, and because of this, Brunello produces wines with exceptionally bold fruit flavors, high tannin, and high acidity.
 
Castelgiocondo is a Tuscan wine estate owned by the Frescobaldi family, known for its Sangiovese wines from the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The estate buildings, which overlook the village of the same name, were built around AD1100 as a stronghold on the road from the port of Talamane to Siena. It was one of the first estates in the region to produce wine, starting in the early 19th Century.
Vineyards of the estate are located between 300 and 400 meters (1000 to 1300 feet) above sea level. This altitude combined with the location of southwest facing slopes and well-drained soils creates ideal terroir. The flagship wine of the Castelgiocondo portfolio is the Ripe al Convento riserva Brunello. In the single vineyard from where the Ripe al Convento is sourced, grapes are hand-picked to preserve the varietal characteristics. After vinification, it spends up to six years aging in the cellar in oak as well as in bottle prior to release. Other wines in the portfolio, include a Rosso di Montalcino and a Toscana IGT produced from Merlot. In the winery, both Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels are utilized for aging wine. The Frescobaldi family have various other brands within their holdings including Castello Nipozzano, Tenuta Perano and Castello Pomino.