Introduction:
San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino "Le Lucére" is a bold and expressive single-vineyard Brunello that showcases the estate’s most prestigious site. With depth, structure, and finesse, this wine is a striking example of the power and grace that Sangiovese can achieve in Montalcino.
Terrior:
"Le Lucére" is situated on the northeastern slope of Montalcino at 270–310 meters above sea level. The soils are rich in marl, limestone, and ancient marine sediments, offering excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The east-facing exposure provides cooler conditions, preserving aromatic purity and acidity, while long sunlight hours ensure full ripening—resulting in wines of exceptional balance and elegance.
Appearance:
Deep garnet with ruby highlights and excellent clarity. Dense and richly hued, signaling concentration and age-worthiness.
Nose:
Captivating aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and dried raspberry lead, followed by notes of lavender, violet, and Mediterranean herbs. Layers of exotic spice, cocoa powder, tobacco leaf, and sweet cedar from oak aging add remarkable depth and complexity.
Palate:
Full-bodied and structured with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Ripe black and red fruits are layered with savory elements—iron, leather, and forest floor—interwoven with toasty oak and hints of espresso and dark chocolate. The wine unfolds in layers, delivering both power and precision.
Finish:
Long and seamless, with lingering notes of cherry liqueur, crushed herbs, and a mineral edge. The finish is clean, textured, and harmonious—built for longevity.
Press for the 2019:
96 points, James Suckling:
"Black cherry, cedar and dried flowers on the nose follow through to a medium to full body with chewy tannins and a savory finish. Lots of structure. Muscular and wholesome yet there’s a softness and beauty."
Press for the 2020:
95 points, James Suckling:
"Intense and super youthful character here. Precise wine with bright cherries, delicate fresh roses and violets, restrained blood oranges and milk-chocolate toastiness. Almost estery flavors on the full-bodied palate with crisp, integrated acidity and well-formed tannins, showing youthful chalkiness on the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026."
94 points, Decanter:
"Crafted from an east-facing plot of 25-year-old vines, Le Lucére is unapologetic and well adjusted in its wood-driven, flashy style. Dashes of mint, vanilla and nutmeg are generously embedded in the blackcurrant backdrop, and yellow broom emerges to add enticement. Robustly fashioned with dense fruit concentration, it flaunts sophisticated chocolatey tannins which contain the whole. Soft acidity is tucked in there somewhere, as this never seems to weigh down the palate."
Press for the 2021:
100 points, James Suckling:
"A perfumed and enchanting wine that seduces you with its pure aromas of plums, peaches, cedar, sandalwood and roses. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that caress your palate and give a long and beautiful finish. Extremely silky and polished. Crunchy. A great wine that’s a benchmark for the vintage. One of the best ever. Very drinkable now, but better after 2028."
95 points, Decanter:
"I tried San Filippo’s wines blind with a couple dozen other Brunellos and the family resemblance was unmistakable – that concentration juxtaposed with freshness, as well as a lively spiciness. This single-vineyard bottling dials all that up a notch with additional intensity and complexity. It leads with mint, crushed allspice, clove, sandalwood and cinnamon. Underneath the dense, youthful, almost candied dark cherry fruit, a juiciness surges. The structure here is also distinct, with tight, crisp tannins holding everything solidly in place. Balsamic green herbs suffuse the finish. Plenty here for aging."
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: San Filippo
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Tuscany (Montalcino)
Grape Varietals: 100% Sangiovese
Vintage: 2019 / 2020 / 2021
Wine Style: Dry, Full-Bodied Red Wine
Winemaking Techniques: Cold pre-maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel; malolactic in stainless and concrete; aged in a mix of medium-sized Slavonian and French oak barrels before extended bottle aging
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Bottle
Closure Style: Cork