Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
Vigna di Lago is sourced from 270 meters above sea level, on the northern slope of Montalcino, expressive of its more continental climate and clay soils. It reveals fresh and floral aromatics, with bright red fruit, rose petal, dried thyme, and dusty earth. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with ripe raspberry, candied strawberry, and tea leaf. Its structure is medium-bodied and driven by its energetic acidity, with fine grained tannin. This is the most restrained and high toned of the lineup now, but it will be long-lived and is great for those who enjoy a brighter, more lifted style with tension. Holding off five or more years in cellar will be a benefit, then enjoy over the next 20 years. 2026-2041.
James Suckling: 96 Points
Crushed gravel and dried earth on the nose with intense layers of mushrooms, dried oysters and potpourri. Dried flowers and grapefruit peel. It’s full-bodied with refined tannins and a long, elegant finish. Quite tight. Juicy and savory at the end. Drink after 2024.
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
This starts out with pronounced iron and graphite aromas and flavors, wrapped around a beam of black cherry and black currant fruit. Earth, tobacco and wild herb accents get swept up in the dense, dusty tannins on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2045. 250 cases imported.
Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
Forest-floor, camphor, wild-berry and toasted nut aromas lead the way. Elegantly structured, the linear palate offers dried cherry, blood orange, star anise and hazelnut framed in close-grained tannins. Drink 2024–2031.
Vinous: 90 Points
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago blends ripe black cherries with woodland herbs and cedar spice box. It’s silky in texture, coasting dense red and hints of black fruits across a medium-bodied frame. This is youthfully poised and inward, yet with nuanced tannins. The 2016 Vigna del Lago comes across as one-dimensional today. Hopefully a few years of cellaring will reveal more depth.
