95/100 James Suckling "Delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, together with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and piquant with beautiful balance and finish. Plenty of fruit at the end. Give it more time to come around. Try after 2027."
94/100 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate "The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry that fold into softly toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make brief but poignant appearances. Velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate give good staying power. This is a 120,000-bottle release."
There were very hot spells in June and July 2019, but fortunately, heavy rain at the end of the latter month prevented a real drought. The temperature soared again in August, reaching 37- 38°C. Argiano’s agronomist, Francesco Monari, sprayed powdered kaolin on the vines as a reflective sunblock, and didn’t cut back the leaves. September had both dry sunny weather and wetter periods, with two heavy downpours, the second at the end of the month. However, both downpours were followed by periods of very dry heat. Margherita Mascagni, the new Export Manager at Argiano, writes: We believe this is one of the best Brunellos ever produced at Argiano. 2019 gave us levels of elegance and finesse never reached before. Demand is very high for Argiano and we have had to limit allocations accordingly.
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018 was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2023.
