2015 Le Chiuse Brunello Riserva Diecianni
Grape
Sangiovese
Its Origins
After many years of trying, we have managed to obtain a small allocation of this wine for the first time. Being made only made in small quantities and distributed very little outside of Italy, Le Chiuse has garnered a cult following over the past decades. Located on the northern slopes of Montalcino’s hill, this small gem of an estate has a storied lineage. Owned by the Biondi Santi family since the late 18th century, Le Chiuse’s oldest grapes were used to make the legendary Biondi Santi Riservas. When Tancredi Biondi Santi passed away in 1970, his youngest daughter, Fiorella, inherited the farm, which she leased to her brother, Franco, until her death in 1986. Franco Biondi-Santi believed Le Chiuse’s vineyards were the finest in the appellation, which is why he continued to make the famed Biondi-Santi Riservas with Le Chiuse’s grapes until 1990, when the estate was taken over by his niece, Simonetta Valiani. She runs the estate today with her husband, Nicolò Magnelli, and their son, Lorenzo. Le Chiuse is very small, only 7ha. Their organic vineyards are in the heart of the historical growing zone, situated north of the hilltop town in an area known for long-lived wines that boast complexity, intensity and elegance. Vineyards sit 984 feet above sea level, where altitude and north/northwest exposures ensure ideal grape ripening and fresh acidity. Soils are of marine origin and contain flaky schist known as galestro, clay and marl that yield rich yet graceful wines with fragrance and depth. The estate has been certified organic since 2005, one of the first in the denomination. Most of its Sangiovese vines are the BBS11 clone chosen at the Biondi Santi Greppo estate and in Le Chiuse’s vineyards in the 1970s. Lorenzo is in charge of winemaking. To produce classic, terroir-driven Brunello, he ferments in stainless steel and concrete with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in roughly 660-gallon casks made of 90% Slavonian oak and 10% Allier.
What The Critics Say
98/100 Kerin O’Keefe
“Aromas recalling pressed iris, underbrush, wild herb and camphor mingle with new leather and pipe tobacco on the exceptional 2015 Diecianni Riserva. Made with the smallest grape bunches from the oldest vineyard, aged for four years in large casks followed by another five years in the bottle and released ten years after the harvest, it’s firmly structured, full-bodied and elegant, delivering dried cherry, licorice, spiced orange zest and a hint of flinty mineral accompanied by tightly woven, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance and vibrancy. Lorenzo Magnelli and his family do an outstanding job vintage after vintage. Abv: 14.5%." Drink 2030 - 2040
97/100 Parker’s Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
“Le Chiuse is one of the first estates to hold back old vintages (totaling 4,000 bottles) for late release. Only a handful of other Montalcino wineries have joined ranks, but praise goes to this estate for playing an important role in this growing trend. To be released 10 years after the harvest, the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni carries the extra fruit weight and richness that I remember so vividly when this vintage first hit the market. You can expect tertiary tones with dried cherry, pitted plum, toasted rye bread and fireplace soot. There is a hint of sweetness on the close, and the tannins are resolved. -- I enjoyed a mind-blowing visit to Le Chiuse with proprietor Lorenzo Magnelli and consultant Valentino Ciarla. The tastings (both vertical and horizontal) served to teach me how this estate operates across its various vineyard parcels. As a rule of thumb, fruit from the side of the vineyard that looks toward the sunset is used for the Rosso di Montalcino, and fruit facing sunrise is earmarked for the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva." Drink 2025 - 2045
96/100 Vinous, Eric Guido
“A wonderfully fresh cascade of dried strawberries, cherries, rose petals and sweet spices make the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni a total pleasure to the senses. This is round and soft-textured with depths of juicy red berry fruits and crunchy mineral tones, all excited by zesty acidity. This leaves the palate stained in wild berry concentration yet maintains a juicy persona. Hints of red licorice and cinnamon spice linger over a gentle tug of ne tannins. The 2015 contains the energy and radiance of this sun-kissed vintage while maintaining a fantastic balance." Drink 2026 - 2035
| Variety | Sangiovese |
|---|---|
| Region | Tuscany |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2045 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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