Gaja Pieve Sugarille Brunello di Montalcino 2019

97+POINTS: Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
97 POINTS: James Suckling 
97 POINTS:  Winey
97 POINTS: Veronelli
96 POINTS: Wine Spectator
96 POINTS: Eric Guido,Vinous
18/20 POINTS: Jancis Robinson MW

14.5% Abv, 100% Sangiovese

“The 2019 Sugarille is certainly one of the greats of the vintage. On the nose it is a crescendo of dark berries, black cherries, tar, licorice and smoky notes. The intensity continues on the palate: Sugarille is uncompromisingly powerful, with multi-layered fruit, striking tannins and wonderful acidity. With increased aeration, the grandeur and opulence give way to a wonderful finesse that will continue to refine and develop with further years of bottle aging. A wine as wonderful as it is today – and guaranteed to be even better tomorrow!
— Recommended, Superiore.de

“Medium to deep ruby red with orange highlights. Much more closed and sleepy than the Rennina and with an oaky undertone. There is also a little more fullness. The palate is restrained, with wonderful cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruit. Very fine and deep tannins. Bright and long, with a hint of tannin on the finish.”
— 18/20 Points: Jancis Robinson MW

“To round out Angelo Gaja's comparison of his Langhe wines, he likens Sugarille to Barolo (as opposed to Rennina, which he equates to Barbaresco). This powerful wine will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful Brunello. Sweet oak spice and plum are complemented by earthy forest tones. It's rich and fruity, yet austere and firm in structure: dark cherry and plum hang on upright, hard grape tannins. Thicker oak tannins build up in the heart, but crisp acidity balances the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are embedded in the layers. This wine is firming up in the glass and still needs a lot of time.”
— Decanter

“The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark and youthfully closed, forcing the taster to confront its brooding blend of blackberry, sage and crushed stone. It displays a pure silk texture, polished and refined, with a dense wave of tart red and black fruits underscored by savory minerals and exotic spice. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish, which is tannic and long, with a pleasant chew and angular tannins that tingle the cheeks. The 2019 is a dark stallion of Brunello with plenty of muscle and meat that will need several more years in the cellar to show its best side. But it will be worth the wait.”
— 96 Points, Eric Guido,Vinous

“An elegant version, this red presents aromas and flavors of cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus, which become darker and more somber as it evolves in the mouth, with both salty and mineral elements. It remains very Sangiovese, however, with a decisive and peppery aftertaste that takes up the accents of fruit, iron and undergrowth.”
— 96 Points, Wine Spectator

“Extremely fragrant and intense with lilacs, violets, violet fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied and very structured, with powerful tannins giving it great length and intensity. A great wine for the cellar. Try after 2027.”
— 97 Points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille Pieve Santa Restituta displays a finely chiseled quality with a direct, lifted fruit that gives this wine an edgy or delineated personality. This impression is reinforced by delicate mineral notes of crushed stone that give way to dark fruit, sweet plums, black cherries and orris root. The wine is elegant, but also very flavorful and structured thanks to the natural ripeness and concentration of the fruit. Give this wine more time in the bottle.”
— 97+ Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
14.5% ABV