Castello di Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino 2021

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You know that moment when a wine trip suddenly levels up? One minute you are casually hopping between appointments, the next you are winding up a mountain toward what looks like a medieval castle straight out of a film set. That was us in Montalcino last year, with a loose plan that quickly turned into something much better.

We pulled up nearly 1,600 feet above sea level and were greeted by Filippo Chia, who, within about 30 seconds, had us all asking the same question… is he from New York? Turns out, yes. After time in the U.S., he returned to run winemaking for his family’s estate, Castello di Romitorio. We toured the property, and it is hard to overstate how stunning it is. Every corner feels intentional and layered with art and history. The cellar feels like a living gallery, more MoMA than winery, and by the time we sat down in a 12th-century dining room to taste, we were already halfway sold.

Then came the wines, and this is where it really clicked for me. The 2021 Brunello stood out immediately. Pure, clean, beautifully made, with that balance of power and finesse that is not easy to pull off. It has everything I look for in a modern Brunello. Expressive fruit, subtle and integrated oak, and structure that tells you it is built to last, even though it is already drinking incredibly well.

My notes: Classic Brunello with a polished edge, showing violets, dried cherry, and warm spice over a core of dark fruit and subtle earth. The palate is structured but seamless, with fine tannins and a long, lifted finish. Already drinking beautifully with some air, but this will cruise for the next 10 plus years without a problem.