Castello Romitorio

Syrah and Petit Verdot form the basis for an exciting cuvée with which the Chia family once again demonstrates its great talent for the wines of Tuscany. Deep dark garnet red. On the nose, an unexpected cornucopia of dark, smoky fruits, plus spicy herbs, multi-layered and deep. Impressive texture on the palate, we find spicy notes of raspberry, a salty vein and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Romitoro is packed full of balanced pleasure. It’s dark yet also rich and spicy, with blue-toned florals giving way to currants, worn leather and smoke. This is elegant and plush on the palate, with masses of tart wildberries energized by zesty acidity while giving way to inner rose perfumes. The 2020 finishes with amazing length and potency, as it leaves a staining of liquid lavender and sweet violets. The Romitoro, a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, is showing beautifully today." Vinous

"Strawberries, red cherries, bark, walnuts, cedar and chocolate orange on the nose with hints of truffle. Medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Focused and flavorful." James Suckling

"The 2020 RomiTòro is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, and it does a terrific job of capturing the exuberance and jovial qualities of sunny Tuscany. The wine shows layers of candied cherries, crème de cassis, sweet almond paste and even a touch of crushed mineral or aspirin. This is creamy and rich in texture, with lots of plump primary flavors and absolutely no rough edges." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. Very pure and concentrated on the nose, with juicy sour cherry fruit. Supple, long, fresh and expressive." Jancis Robinson

"Here is a new submission from Castello Romitorio with 6,600 bottles released. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Colto is a true Sangiovese with a lean, tart texture and lots of aromas of wild berries. These scents segue into forest floor, cola and rosemary twigs." Wine Advocate

"The Rosso di Montalcino Colto 2020 is spicy and strongly perfumed. It shows raspberries, dried violets, spiced orange peel and a hint of smoke. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Colto washes over the palate with undeniable elegance, contrasting a salty note with vibrant ripe fruit and a hint of sour citrus that flashes towards the end. It leaves a hint of blue and purple flowers and a residual acidity that retains a wonderful freshness. The 2020 is very well balanced and conveys both opulence and seriousness. The Colto is a selection from all of Romitorio's vineyards, including a 10-hectare parcel of experimental clones from across Tuscany that is now 14 years old." Vinous

"A delicious, soft and balanced Rosso with aromas and flavours of dark cherries and plums. There are also notes of dried flowers and spicy oak. Almost full-bodied with very silky, well-integrated tannins that give the wine a plump, almost chalky texture. Long finish with fruit-soaked minerals. Very well made. Only 6,000 bottles made." James Suckling

Sandro Chias Annata presents itself taut, forward and downright bold in the glass. On the palate, its natural richness and lushness of fruit is convincing, complemented by varietal elements of wild cherry, blue flowers and soft earth. Then, in quick succession, secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar and cinnamon surprise, giving complexity and personality to the wine built up in many deep layers. This Brunello has wonderful potential for further bottle ageing, but it is already an absolute delight and the quality of the fruit and its length make it irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate bouquet of red berries, flowers and undergrowth; juicy in the mouth, compact, the tannins robust, nice melting, fine-meshed tannins, good length." Vinum

"To the northwest of Montalcino, Castello Romitorio’s vineyards are surrounded by thick woods receiving moderate sun exposure. The relatively cool setting was an advantage in 2017. Well put together with a graceful flow, this Brunello echoes its setting and opens with pronounced cedar and evocative forest floor accents. Neither heavy nor over-concentrated, the palate is replete with pulpy red berries. There is a succulence to the fruit and a silkiness to the texture, and nuances of pulverised stone weave throughout." Decanter

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is dusty, dark and floral at first, but with time, it becomes exotic and spicy. Black cherries lifted by minty herbs and camphor give way to floral undergrowth and tobacco as the 2017 gains in volume with each swirl of the glass. It’s silky-smooth and pliant yet shows remarkable purity and cooling acidity, as you perceive its red and hints of blue fruit slowly drenching the palate, leaving salty minerals and a coating of primary concentration. The long, penetrating finale mixes fine tannins and nuances of sour citrus in a powerful yet wonderfully balanced expression of the Romitorio vineyards." Vinous

"The Castello Romitorio 2017 Brunello di Montalcino comes from an estate that is quickly becoming a leader in a special niche of the Montalcino market. The wine is modern and soft, showing lots of contained ripeness and creaminess, yet it successfully embraces the fundamentals of the appellation and Sangiovese, thanks to its bright acidity and finely tuned structure. Few wines reach this level of precision, especially in a challenging vintage such as this." Wine Advocate

Medium, radiant ruby red. Complex nose of sweet and cedar wood, paired with Mediterranean maquis and delicate sweet cherry. In the mouth, balsamic notes, very finely woven tannins and a wonderful complexity that envelops the juicy fruit core and gives the wine an impressive depth and length. The elegance is also very impressive and will certainly increase with further maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep aromas of cherries and flowers; compact construction, the tannins racy and well integrated, beautiful melt and polish and of great elegance." Vinum

"Dense spicy bouquet, tart fruit and spice on the palate; elegant, compact style with racy flow, very classic, noticeable tannin and grip, nice freshness and ethereality. Needs time." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium ruby red. A seductive richness on the nose, combined with cool red fruits and notes of iron and black pepper. The spicy note on the finish adds depth to the fresh red fruit, accompanied by a long vein of persistent grainy tannins. Super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"Castello Romitorio's classic Brunello, which comes from the estate's highest plots - between 350 and 450 metres - embodies the vintage's grace without sacrificing depth or flavour. The aromas are ethereal at first, then join the scents of rosehip, liquorice root and juniper. The sweetness of the pure cherry in the mouth is balanced by a juicy acidity and powdery tannins. The wine has a sneaky substance and a long-lasting presence. The Filo di Seta may have more reserves for ageing, but I can't help but be completely charmed (for the price) by the sheer elegance of this wine." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a blend of dried citrus peel, cedar chips, floral scrub, black cherry and Tuscan dust. It is soft, even buoyant, with a depth of velvety, textured red and blue fruits and sweet, liquid purple tones colouring the palate. The 2018 finishes fresh and long with notes of wild blueberries and a touch of balsamic spice, framed by a layer of fine tannin. This is a complete success for the vintage." Vinous

"I like the dried purple undertones of the red and blue fruits, along with some walnut shell and olive. There is so much flavour here, packed into a compact core framed by silky, firm tannins. Dense and concentrated. Try it after 2024." James Suckling

"The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows crisp and tart fruit with cherry, cassis and wild plum. This medium-bodied wine offers plenty of freshness and brightness in a vintage that was challenging for many. This expression is unique thanks to the inner energy on display; the red fruits are prominent and the wine's balanced acidity rounds it all out." Wine Advocate

"A graceful red characterised by cherry, strawberry, rose, minerals and Mediterranean herbs. Supple and juicy, but firm, with a mineral finish. Lively and long." Wine Spectator

Sandro Chia had the right nose when he bought the very high vineyard that his neighbours actually advised him against. Named after this single vineyard, the famous artist and his son Filippo vinify a wine that is somewhat denser than the normal Annata. The full bouquet has lively notes of dark red cherries, spices, plums and leather. Filo di Seta is racy and lush, yet has a clearly recognisable structure and impresses with its impressive balance. Sweet floral and spicy notes add exciting nuances on the expressive finish. A bold and immensely viral Brunello and a masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasing nose of wild berries and spices, very classic; polished texture with accentuated long-lasting acidity, elegant fruity finish, also floral aromas. Convinces with its fullness and elegance." Vinum

"Distinctly herbal nose, fresh, slightly cesty, wild herbs, meadow sage, cedar; firm, compact-polished style, polished, present tannins, juicy length." Meiningers Sommelier

"Filippo Chia explains that Romitorio’s Filo di Seta bottling is crafted from two harvesting periods. The first, in early September, is for crispness and a modest 13% alcohol. The remaining grapes are picked two to three weeks later to bring complexity and greater structure. Neither superior nor inferior to the estate bottling in 2017, it does express its distinct personality: Filo di Seta is richer and showier, with a chocolatey texture, yet its tannins are also tighter. Aromas of rosemary and cocoa lead to spicy wild dark berries and iron on the palate. Despite plenty of stuffing, this remains agile." Decanter

"The remarkably fresh 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta opens slowly, blossoming in the glass to offer a captivating mix of dusty rose, spicy citrus, black cherry and smoky crushed stone. This is cool-toned yet powerful in feel, fleshing out across the palate with an elegant display of mineral-tinged tart berries under an air of sweet florals, as fine tannins settle in. It turns quite savory and slightly salty through the finale, tapering off with unprecedented length, along with a staining of primary concentration offset by residual acids that keep the mouth watering. Mixing the most delicate and vivid fruit with the body of a well-muscled dancer, this leaves me very impressed. The 2017 Filo di Seta is one of the top wines of this difficult vintage." Vinous

"This is a very interesting wine that tests a cool growing site in a hot vintage. The Castello Romitorio 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta comes from a high-altitude vineyard with dark soils and pockets of slate and shale. It is isolated in the mountains and surrounded by thick forests and Mediterranean shrub oak. That combination of unique elements has shaped a very articulate and attuned expression that boasts vibrant fruit, smoke, spice and wet stone. The finish is sharp and especially focused with age-worthy tannins and bright acidity." Wine Advocate

"From the north-west area of Montalcino an extra-ordinary Brunello also in this vintage, the result of great selection in the vineyard. Black currant, touches di gardenia, then a nice balsamic shade of eucalyptus. The mouthfeel has salty, crispy tannins and a fruity, balsamic finish." Luca Gardini

Filo di Seta is produced in small batches and is an impressive wine. With only 4,000 bottles produced, it reflects the extreme power and depth that can be achieved in this cooler microclimate of Montalcino. The vineyards are located on steep slopes and surrounded by dense forest and vegetation. One cannot help but detect a wild and thorny element in this wine, reminiscent of forest floor, truffles and autumnal foliage. These pretty accents add complexity to the solid core of dark fruit. The powerful mouthfeel is polished and dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is on the berry side, a hint of mocha, gracefully underpinned by peppery notes; the attack is delicate and homogeneous, crisp acidity, the finish fruity and long. Also in this vintage harmonious and very successful." Vinum

"Brilliant red with brick-like reflections. Spicy, deep cherry with complex spice notes but not obviously dried. Elegant, supple red fruits with a touch of sweet oak that is fully integrated. Fresh, gem-like acidity. Beautiful elegance and grippy but fine-grained tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Originally planted in the late 1980s with a variety of clones, Filo di Seta is at a lower altitude than the other Romitorio plots. The soil here is also richer in clay. The result is usually a riper and denser expression compared to classic Brunello, which is indeed the case here. Plush cherry and plum are dusted with allspice and nutmeg, and there is a seductive hint of chocolate on the palate that I often find in this wine, along with polished oak. It's already open and approachable, but not without a solid backbone, and will steadily develop its charms over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta emerges from the glass with a beguiling bouquet that opens with violets, lavender and stone dust that evolve into pretty dried strawberries and hints of clove. This is a Brunello of contrasts, as the velvety texture is punctuated by a salty minerality before red and black fruits unfold on the palate, leaving a primary colour. Blue and purple flowers mingle with acidic citrus as the 2018 finishes with tremendous length and complexity that is completely uncharacteristic of this vintage. Fine tannins linger, promising a long and steady evolution. The Filo di Seta is a complete success for 2018, but will still need some time to fully develop." Vinous

"A rich, concentrated red, expressing plum, cherry, earth, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Shows sweetness from the ripe fruit midpalate, along with a balanced, harmonious texture. Features fine length backed by vibrant acidity and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is fast becoming one of the most interesting sites to have emerged in the Montalcino appellation thanks to the cool microclimate and black slate soils of the site. The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is a wine of unique dimension and depth. It shows tart, almost crunchy red fruits and cassis, with notes of cola, balsamic herbs, gravel and pencil shavings in the background. The tannins need another two to three years to become silky." Wine Advocate

"Complex and refined with seamless layers of ripe and dried cherries, truffle, caramel, dried flowers, nutmeg, chocolate orange and cassis. It is full-bodied, layered and polished, with firm tannins that are well integrated. Long and elegant. Delicious already, but even better after 2024." James Suckling

Medium, radiant ruby red. Complex nose of sweet and cedar wood, paired with Mediterranean maquis and delicate sweet cherry. In the mouth, balsamic notes, very finely woven tannins and a wonderful complexity that envelops the juicy fruit core and gives the wine an impressive depth and length. The elegance is also very impressive and will certainly increase with further maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep aromas of cherries and flowers; compact construction, the tannins racy and well integrated, beautiful melt and polish and of great elegance." Vinum

"Dense spicy bouquet, tart fruit and spice on the palate; elegant, compact style with racy flow, very classic, noticeable tannin and grip, nice freshness and ethereality. Needs time." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium ruby red. A seductive richness on the nose, combined with cool red fruits and notes of iron and black pepper. The spicy note on the finish adds depth to the fresh red fruit, accompanied by a long vein of persistent grainy tannins. Super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"Castello Romitorio's classic Brunello, which comes from the estate's highest plots - between 350 and 450 metres - embodies the vintage's grace without sacrificing depth or flavour. The aromas are ethereal at first, then join the scents of rosehip, liquorice root and juniper. The sweetness of the pure cherry in the mouth is balanced by a juicy acidity and powdery tannins. The wine has a sneaky substance and a long-lasting presence. The Filo di Seta may have more reserves for ageing, but I can't help but be completely charmed (for the price) by the sheer elegance of this wine." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a blend of dried citrus peel, cedar chips, floral scrub, black cherry and Tuscan dust. It is soft, even buoyant, with a depth of velvety, textured red and blue fruits and sweet, liquid purple tones colouring the palate. The 2018 finishes fresh and long with notes of wild blueberries and a touch of balsamic spice, framed by a layer of fine tannin. This is a complete success for the vintage." Vinous

"I like the dried purple undertones of the red and blue fruits, along with some walnut shell and olive. There is so much flavour here, packed into a compact core framed by silky, firm tannins. Dense and concentrated. Try it after 2024." James Suckling

"The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows crisp and tart fruit with cherry, cassis and wild plum. This medium-bodied wine offers plenty of freshness and brightness in a vintage that was challenging for many. This expression is unique thanks to the inner energy on display; the red fruits are prominent and the wine's balanced acidity rounds it all out." Wine Advocate

"A graceful red hallmarked by cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and Mediterranean herbs. Lacy and succulent yet firm, ending on the minerally side. Vibrant and long." Wine Spectator

If one were to assign a quality to this wine, it would be sincerity. In the sum of its parts, this disarming Super Riserva is not only a wine full of contrasts, but also full of soul. It reflects its terroir, the exceptional 2015 vintage and the clear stylistics of the house in a self-confident and highly credible way. Fruit, alcohol, tannin and also spice are perfectly coordinated and present in very generous quantities. With each glass, the exuberant impressions become more unravelled and a Brunello emerges that, in addition to all its complexity, amiability and persistence, has a personality that secures it a place among the best of this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Romitorio's Riserva is a selection of the Chia family's four oldest plots, planted in 1987 with local Sangiovese clones sourced from Biondi-Santi and Soldera cuttings. This gives a sense of the estate's relatively cool, northwest-facing vineyards and surrounding woodlands. It is rather discreet and needs coaxing to elicit its appealing hints of red berries, grilled herb, porcini mushroom and forest floor. It's full but bright, with upfront tangy acidity and red currant and sour cherry notes, with fresh mint emerging on the backend. The tannins are fine and silky, making for a sophisticated sip." Decanter

"The 2015 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is youthfully restrained yet also surprisingly feminine, leading off with a dusting of cedar and white smoke, as nuances of strawberry, rose and violet perfumes come forward. It's silky and undeniably elegant, seeming to coat the palate in a polished display of red and black berries, liquid florals and minerals which slowly saturate adding a tactile feel. A complex web of tannins wrap the senses up tightly, leaving sweet inner herbal tones and savory spices to linger. This is like a whisper rather than a shout, yet it has so much to say. In forty years, only nine vintages of Riserva have ever been made at Romitorio, and the 2015 is sure to rank amongst the best of them." Vinous

"A tight, focused red with blackberry, black-cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy and focused. This is still very structured and powerful." James Suckling

"Showing richness, dark fruit, bold cherry and blackberry, the Castello Romitorio 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with exactly 7,456 bottles made) embraces the exuberant character of the vintage, its warmth and its sunshine. If you seek a time capsule of 2015, I suggest that you put this bottle somewhere safe. The tannins are polished and chiseled, and at its core the wine is overflowing with blackberry preserves, cherry confit and plum." Wine Advocate

"This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Sandro Chia's vineyards have now reached their full potential, and the Riserva from the top 2016 vintage puts the crown on it all. This year, the winery's always clear style and the cool vineyard sites have found a truly perfect unity, which you have to look for a long time even in Montalcino. The fullness and generosity of the bouquet is impressive: delicious layers of dark berries, spices, dried herbs and dark chocolate combine to form an intense composition, which is then rounded off on the palate. Slender and fine on the palate, yet with a subtle opulence that reveals new depths with each sip. Expression and length underline the qualities of this truly super Brunello, which completely captivated us. If you have time, wait for further revelations that bottle ageing will undoubtedly bring! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling raspberry violet pepper nose; the attack juicy, the tannins tight and well integrated as the acidity, lots of character, suppleness and length on the final, the wood skilfully integrated." Vinum

"This red is succulent and bursting with vibrant cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm and lean, with terrific intensity and a long, tangy aftertaste. Harmonious enough to enjoy now, yet it should reach its peak in three to five years." Wine Spectator

"Castello Romitorio harvests in two stages. The first is an early selection of the smallest, loosest bunches across the oldest vineyards and fills one single tank. In years when the estate Brunello can stand alone, this is bottled separately as a Riserva. The tenth since 1987, the 2016 is wondrously earthy in its overture of clay, mineral rock and iron. It evolves into an autumnal smokiness then lands on balsamic herbs and crunchy red woodland berries. Youthful vigour and verve do not conceal intrinsic finesse. Acid crunch and dramatic mouth-caressing tannins will see this through the long haul." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva works beautifully to produce a lasting sense of harmony that reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage. Part of that playlist is power, and indeed this wine registers 15% alcohol, which is high, but the freshness of these vineyard sites and the wine's acidity does a good job of mitigating that power. The fruit is polished and refined in this Riserva, and there is a pretty mix of both primary and even some distant tertiary character to shape a bouquet that is pure but also complex." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts up with elegance and richness, as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savory display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar box with hints of cooling mint. This rushes the palate with sweet red fruits and spices, silky yet lifted, and displaying a delicacy not expected from the Riserva category, yet quite welcome. Beneath is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. Minerality comes through in the finale, mingling with a fine coating of tannin and hints of spicy citrus. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, one tonneau and one large cask, from Romitorio’s cellar. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Riserva of great gustatory impact, without compromises, from the northwest area of the appellation. Great concentration on the nose, black currant, notes of laurel and rhubarb. The mouthfeel has salty tannins but also excellent density, with a return to fruitiness and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

In the exceptional year of 2016, Filippo Chia decided to vinify a Riserva for the first time. The Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva comes from a unique vineyard site characterised by a greater presence of slate or slate-like shards in the soils. These conditions contribute to the very typical, sharp and concentrated aromas that are offered here on a silver platter. One automatically thinks of pencil shavings and granite rock. However, the wine is equally impressive when it comes to its rich fruit and floral profile, and there is enough spice and soft leather or tobacco to bring it all together in one happy package. A magnificent masterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"The first ever Riserva from Castello Romitorio’s Filo di Seta plot, this is crafted from a handful of selected tonneaux – mostly used but a couple new. Significantly, it comes predominantly from early-picked grapes. Still in its infancy, the 2016 is not ready to divulge everything. Weighty with depths of wild, spicy, dark fruit, yet radiant in its acidity, a sturdy framework of tannins sticks to the palate with a pulverised, chalky texture giving immense grip. Anise, mint and clove show up on the finish." Decanter

"This red is linear, dense and concentrated, both for its black cherry, black currant and blueberry fruit and its fine-grained, dusty tannins. Lively and balanced, yet needs time to unwind and gain more of the complexity that's buried within. The fresh, lingering finish reveals mineral, soy and spice accents." Wine Spectator

"Here's a new wine from Castello Romitorio, and it makes perfect sense that the Filo di Seta project should also be presented as a Riserva. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Filo di Seta is elongated and silky. It wraps smoothly over the palate with well-dosed fruit, tannic structure and brilliant acidity. It should be exciting to follow this wine over the cooler and the warmer vintages of the future. Only 3,900 bottles were created." Wine Advocate

"This is really powerful and intense with a full body, yet it remains agile and vivid. Chewy, but polished and classy. Persistent, yet weightless and floating. Black-cherry and dark-plum flavors with pine-cone and mushroom undertones. Give it at least five years to soften. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"I had high expectations for the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva. This is youthfully restrained and grumbling in the glass, but it’s worth waiting for, as a captivating display of mentholated herbs, dusty rose, lavender, black cherries, hints of animal musk and crushed ashen stone evolves before your eyes. It’s deeply textural and polished in feel, but also full of zesty, cooling acidity that enlivens the sultry core of dark fruits and exotic spices. A saturation of tannin coats the palate, creating a massively structured and long finale with lingering remnants of salted licorice and inner violet tones. The 2016 Riserva Filo di Seta may be a masterpiece in the making, though it will be many years before it shows all of its hidden beauty." Vinous

Sandro Chia had the right nose when he bought the very high vineyard that his neighbours actually advised him against. Named after this single vineyard, the famous artist and his son Filippo vinify a wine that is somewhat denser than the normal Annata. The full bouquet has lively notes of dark red cherries, spices, plums and leather. Filo di Seta is racy and lush, yet has a clearly recognisable structure and impresses with its impressive balance. Sweet floral and spicy notes add exciting nuances on the expressive finish. A bold and immensely viral Brunello and a masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasing nose of wild berries and spices, very classic; polished texture with accentuated long-lasting acidity, elegant fruity finish, also floral aromas. Convinces with its fullness and elegance." Vinum

"Distinctly herbal nose, fresh, slightly cesty, wild herbs, meadow sage, cedar; firm, compact-polished style, polished, present tannins, juicy length." Meiningers Sommelier

"Filippo Chia explains that Romitorio’s Filo di Seta bottling is crafted from two harvesting periods. The first, in early September, is for crispness and a modest 13% alcohol. The remaining grapes are picked two to three weeks later to bring complexity and greater structure. Neither superior nor inferior to the estate bottling in 2017, it does express its distinct personality: Filo di Seta is richer and showier, with a chocolatey texture, yet its tannins are also tighter. Aromas of rosemary and cocoa lead to spicy wild dark berries and iron on the palate. Despite plenty of stuffing, this remains agile." Decanter

"The remarkably fresh 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta opens slowly, blossoming in the glass to offer a captivating mix of dusty rose, spicy citrus, black cherry and smoky crushed stone. This is cool-toned yet powerful in feel, fleshing out across the palate with an elegant display of mineral-tinged tart berries under an air of sweet florals, as fine tannins settle in. It turns quite savory and slightly salty through the finale, tapering off with unprecedented length, along with a staining of primary concentration offset by residual acids that keep the mouth watering. Mixing the most delicate and vivid fruit with the body of a well-muscled dancer, this leaves me very impressed. The 2017 Filo di Seta is one of the top wines of this difficult vintage." Vinous

"This is a very interesting wine that tests a cool growing site in a hot vintage. The Castello Romitorio 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta comes from a high-altitude vineyard with dark soils and pockets of slate and shale. It is isolated in the mountains and surrounded by thick forests and Mediterranean shrub oak. That combination of unique elements has shaped a very articulate and attuned expression that boasts vibrant fruit, smoke, spice and wet stone. The finish is sharp and especially focused with age-worthy tannins and bright acidity." Wine Advocate

"From the north-west area of Montalcino an extra-ordinary Brunello also in this vintage, the result of great selection in the vineyard. Black currant, touches di gardenia, then a nice balsamic shade of eucalyptus. The mouthfeel has salty, crispy tannins and a fruity, balsamic finish." Luca Gardini

If one were to assign a quality to this wine, it would be sincerity. In the sum of its parts, this disarming Super Riserva is not only a wine full of contrasts, but also full of soul. It reflects its terroir, the exceptional 2015 vintage and the clear stylistics of the house in a self-confident and highly credible way. Fruit, alcohol, tannin and also spice are perfectly coordinated and present in very generous quantities. With each glass, the exuberant impressions become more unravelled and a Brunello emerges that, in addition to all its complexity, amiability and persistence, has a personality that secures it a place among the best of this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Romitorio's Riserva is a selection of the Chia family's four oldest plots, planted in 1987 with local Sangiovese clones sourced from Biondi-Santi and Soldera cuttings. This gives a sense of the estate's relatively cool, northwest-facing vineyards and surrounding woodlands. It is rather discreet and needs coaxing to elicit its appealing hints of red berries, grilled herb, porcini mushroom and forest floor. It's full but bright, with upfront tangy acidity and red currant and sour cherry notes, with fresh mint emerging on the backend. The tannins are fine and silky, making for a sophisticated sip." Decanter

"The 2015 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is youthfully restrained yet also surprisingly feminine, leading off with a dusting of cedar and white smoke, as nuances of strawberry, rose and violet perfumes come forward. It's silky and undeniably elegant, seeming to coat the palate in a polished display of red and black berries, liquid florals and minerals which slowly saturate adding a tactile feel. A complex web of tannins wrap the senses up tightly, leaving sweet inner herbal tones and savory spices to linger. This is like a whisper rather than a shout, yet it has so much to say. In forty years, only nine vintages of Riserva have ever been made at Romitorio, and the 2015 is sure to rank amongst the best of them." Vinous

"A tight, focused red with blackberry, black-cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy and focused. This is still very structured and powerful." James Suckling

"Showing richness, dark fruit, bold cherry and blackberry, the Castello Romitorio 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with exactly 7,456 bottles made) embraces the exuberant character of the vintage, its warmth and its sunshine. If you seek a time capsule of 2015, I suggest that you put this bottle somewhere safe. The tannins are polished and chiseled, and at its core the wine is overflowing with blackberry preserves, cherry confit and plum." Wine Advocate

"This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Sandro Chia's vineyards have now reached their full potential, and the Riserva from the top 2016 vintage puts the crown on it all. This year, the winery's always clear style and the cool vineyard sites have found a truly perfect unity, which you have to look for a long time even in Montalcino. The fullness and generosity of the bouquet is impressive: delicious layers of dark berries, spices, dried herbs and dark chocolate combine to form an intense composition, which is then rounded off on the palate. Slender and fine on the palate, yet with a subtle opulence that reveals new depths with each sip. Expression and length underline the qualities of this truly super Brunello, which completely captivated us. If you have time, wait for further revelations that bottle ageing will undoubtedly bring! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling raspberry violet pepper nose; the attack juicy, the tannins tight and well integrated as the acidity, lots of character, suppleness and length on the final, the wood skilfully integrated." Vinum

"This red is succulent and bursting with vibrant cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm and lean, with terrific intensity and a long, tangy aftertaste. Harmonious enough to enjoy now, yet it should reach its peak in three to five years." Wine Spectator

"Castello Romitorio harvests in two stages. The first is an early selection of the smallest, loosest bunches across the oldest vineyards and fills one single tank. In years when the estate Brunello can stand alone, this is bottled separately as a Riserva. The tenth since 1987, the 2016 is wondrously earthy in its overture of clay, mineral rock and iron. It evolves into an autumnal smokiness then lands on balsamic herbs and crunchy red woodland berries. Youthful vigour and verve do not conceal intrinsic finesse. Acid crunch and dramatic mouth-caressing tannins will see this through the long haul." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva works beautifully to produce a lasting sense of harmony that reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage. Part of that playlist is power, and indeed this wine registers 15% alcohol, which is high, but the freshness of these vineyard sites and the wine's acidity does a good job of mitigating that power. The fruit is polished and refined in this Riserva, and there is a pretty mix of both primary and even some distant tertiary character to shape a bouquet that is pure but also complex." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts up with elegance and richness, as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savory display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar box with hints of cooling mint. This rushes the palate with sweet red fruits and spices, silky yet lifted, and displaying a delicacy not expected from the Riserva category, yet quite welcome. Beneath is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. Minerality comes through in the finale, mingling with a fine coating of tannin and hints of spicy citrus. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, one tonneau and one large cask, from Romitorio’s cellar. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Riserva of great gustatory impact, without compromises, from the northwest area of the appellation. Great concentration on the nose, black currant, notes of laurel and rhubarb. The mouthfeel has salty tannins but also excellent density, with a return to fruitiness and undergrowth." Luca Gardini