96pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Here's a new addition to the Poggio Landi portfolio that represents a small production of 6,000 bottles. Made with a selection of fruit from a one-hectare parcel at a cool 550 meters above sea level, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Chiuso del Lupo is a delight and the proverbial diamond in the rough (compared to many of the more tired and monotone wines we are seeing from this vintage). Those high-elevation vines on silty, clay limestone alberese soils really make the difference. The wine opens to a saturated ruby color that is vibrant and shiny. The bouquet offers candied cherry, lilac, blood orange, cola and sweet earth. It remains true to the grape and offers extra concentration, depth and complexity along the way. The wine finishes with smooth, silky tannins. This wine is one of the big discoveries in this report.

94pts Wine Spectator

A rich, round and fruity style, this red offers black cherry, blackberry, black currant and spice flavors. Shows a solid backbone of tannins, yet this remains balanced and the lasting impression is ripe fruit. Best from 2025 through 2042. 500 cases made, 200 cases imported.

93pts James Suckling

A juicy and succulent red with plum and berry character, together with orange peel and spice. Full-bodied with chewy and creamy tannins that coat the mouth. Plenty of fruit, but attractive firmness and brightness. Drink or hold.

90pts Vinous

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Chiuso del Lupo is dark and balsamic, with notes of rich plum sauce, grilled herbs and flowery underbrush forming its bouquet. It smooths over the palate with dense textural fruits, yet maintains admirable energy, as saline-tinged minerals and fine tannins collect toward the close. The Chiuso del Lupo finishes structured and potent, flexing its hulking tannins while allowing nuances of plum and rosy inner florals to linger.

Winemaker Notes

Exceptional wine, very elegant. Traditionally vinified. After two weeks of natural and spontaneous fermentation, the wine is decanted into large French oak barrels of 30 Hl and 54Hl, where it will age for 38 months. Refined in bottle for 6 months minimum.

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, the nose expresses hints of licorice and black cherry, with deep references of wild berries and leather. Very long finish.

About the Wine

The wine gets its name from the place where is located the vine of 1 hectare, literally “closed” in the wood. The image on the label represents the wolf's eyes that light up in the night, immersed in the rows of the vineyard.