96pts James Suckling

Intense aromas of black cherries, lavender and spice, such as nutmeg. Some sandalwood and bark, too. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins for the vintage. Rather chewy, suggesting that additional bottle age is needed. Try after 2026.

95pts Vinous

Depths of dark, balsamic-tinged black cherry, plum sauce and autumnal spice make the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impossible to ignore. This is velvety to the core, nearly opulent in feel, with a dense wave of ripe red fruits complemented by nuances of sweet lavender and tobacco. It leaves the palate clenched with fine tannins and primary concentration, creating a classic sensation that transcends the vintage. Nearly a minute goes by, and hints of cocoa and sweet herbs continue to resonate. Wow! Production at the Pertimali estate was down by 20% due to the spring frost, and the decision was made to place all of the juice usually intended for the Riserva into the straight Brunello, the result being one of the top wines of the vintage.

About the Winery

Four generations of the Sassetti family have farmed some of the finest vineyards in Montalcino. In 1967, Livio Sassetti was among the founders of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, which was the same year the DOCG system was written into law. In the late 1970s, Livio purchased Podere Pertimali, the 16-hectare (40-acre) vineyard in the Montosoli area now renowned for the production of benchmark Brunello. The family further expanded its vineyard holdings in 1999 with estate vineyards in La Querciolina along the Tuscan coast. Today, Lorenzo Sassetti is winemaker and proprietor, along with his wife, Sabina La Brusco Sassetti.

The Montosoli hill is located in the northern side of the Montalcino appellation, a cool, well-ventilated area.  The Sassetti Livio Brunellos are known for their freshness and classical style that so clearly reflects the terroir of this special area of Montalcino. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, and all fruit is harvested by hand. Sassetti Livio’s cru, Vigna del Mulino, is sourced from a lower elevation site on the Montosoli hill with unique soils rich in marine fossils and shells.