Livio Sassetti

The even stricter selection of the grapes in 2017 led to a total of half the number of bottles compared to previous vintages. The result, however, is impressive: An extremely attractive bouquet with earthy notes, only gradually revealing ripe strawberries, spicy herbs, leather and a little coffee. As it progresses, spicy orange peel, sour cherry and mint, followed by salty minerals. The lively acidity ensures that the wine remains fresh and supple despite its compact structure. The initially firm tannins gracefully envelop the pretty fruit core with further aeration, and in the long final we then discover sweet spices and traces of white pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is quite bright and lifted with cherries and fresh fruits that pop from the glass. The primary intensity is radiant in this wine, setting it apart from many of its peers. It covers the palate with mid-weight intensity, nice acidity and silky tannins. The brightness you get here is so attractive now, so I see little reason to wait much longer before pulling this cork." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known with a burst of dusty black raspberries, mentholated herbs, crushed ashen stone and dark flowery undergrowth. Silky-smooth and round in feel, it impresses with a cooling wave of mint-infused wild berry fruits mixed with balsamic spices and wood-smoked salts. While the 2017 doesn’t have the weight and density you’d expect from such a young Pertimali, yet it makes up for it with grace and purity, leaving a light coating of tannins and minerals to mingle throughout the finale." Vinous

"Black cherry and mushroom with some dried flower undertones. Full-bodied with fine velvety tannins and a juicy and succulent finish. The tannins are very polished for a 2017. Try from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

Pertimalis Riserva from the top year 2016 is incredibly soft and silky in texture, with ripe red berry fruit infused with salty minerals and savoury spices, evolving into floral notes towards the end. The great structure comes through in the long, dramatic finish, with acids and minerals that linger and spicy red fruits that are slow to fade. This is a particularly beautiful expression of the vintage, bursting with energy. An impressive structure awaits us on the finish, and the wine manages to retain its freshness at all times. It is structured for the long haul, but has a magical appeal to give it a first try today. Even on the second day, it has lost none of its grandeur. SUPERIORE.DE

"Classically crafted, this opens with earthy aromas of forest floor, woodland berries, leather, violet and crushed black olive. Savory and elegantly structured, the lithe palate features ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, truffle and the same black olive note from the nose. Taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals thick textural fiber and determined power. A core of dark fruit and black cherry is framed by spice, toast, pressed rose and earthy garden soil. It moves over the palate with a creamy, full-bodied approach. With 5,000 bottles made, this Riserva ages in Slavonian oak casks for a generous 48 months. That prolonged aging could have dried out the tannins, but this wine skirts past that problem." Robert Parker

"Enticing and harmonious, this red is saturated with blackberry, black currant, violet and mineral flavors. Intense and focused, even racy rather than concentrated and powerful, with a solid structure and lingering aftertaste. Terrific length." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is brooding and powerful, wafting up with a darkly floral mix of sweet mint, smoke and animal musk before a core of black cherry emerges. The textures are like pure, elegant silk, slowly draped across the palate, delivering an array of opulent black and red fruits contrasted by zesty citrus tones and spice. The sheer density here is amazing, but even more impressive is that the 2016 stays in perfect balance from start to finish, tapering off long, structured and classically dry. The Pertimali Riserva is created through a selection in the vineyard, and it spends 48 months refining in oak casks. There will be no Riserva created in 2017 or 2018." Vinous

"Archetypal sangiovese with cherry and floral aromas as well as sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Tight and extremely structured yet there’s an impressive finesse and craftsmanship here. Fine velvety texture. Try after 2024." James Suckling