The Salicutti 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Piaggione SV represents a tremendous winemaking effort that pits the extreme purity of Sangiovese against a very special single vineyard located on the upper rim of the small Salicutti property. This wine has only been produced four times. It was made in 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2013. This vintage consists of only 2,339 bottles made. This is a mid-weight Brunello in terms of overall texture, but you should not underestimate the power or the length of this beautiful creation. That balance between elegance and power is precisely where this wine shows its pedigree. Dark fruit nuances are folded into spice, tobacco and tangy balsam herb.

Good full ruby-red. Spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, marjoram and thyme complicate ripe red cherry and mineral aromas. Then pure, vibrant and mineral, with red cherry and raspberry nectar flavors that linger impressively on the very dense, complex multilayered and long finish. A knockout Riserva and an outstanding last effort from Francesco Leanza, who has since sold the estate and is enjoying retirement in Siena since the beginning of 2019.