2013 Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy 750 ml

Plush yet beautifully refined, the 2013 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino is an otherworldly release from the Sassetti clan that illustrates why Robert Parker once declared: “If I had only one Brunello to drink, it would be Pertimali.” 

At 98 points, James Suckling had this bottle tied with Valdicava ($120) and Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova ($100) for the highest-rated Brunello of the vintage: “intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom…a beauty.” 

Coming on the heels of the winery’s 98-score in the previous vintage and a flawless 100 points in 2010, Pertimali demonstrates again and again why it is the all-time favorite Brunello of many, including Parker. Showing a graceful color and boasting a marvelous depth of flavor, layered with tobacco, bay leaf, and minerality, this is simply gorgeous and such a pleasure to drink.

Set on the slopes of Montosoli, arguably the finest of Montalcino’s crus, the Pertimali estate has been owned and operated by the Sassetti family for over a century. In the unusually cool 2013 growing season—one in which the top estates put out magnificent, Burgundian-styled Brunellos—the Sassettis turned out a rich, fantastically delineated Brunello di Montalcino.  

The 2013 growing season—deemed “excellent” by Vinous and “undoubtedly one of the better years for Brunello in some time”—was as epic, slow-moving, and grand as Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony. Refreshing winds and generous sunshine made for wines packed with rich, ripe fruit, aromas of dried cherries and leather, and elegant tannic structure. Pertimali’s location in the northern part of Brunello had the advantage of its cooler microclimate, helping to maintain freshness and acidity while keeping the wine in balance. 

Those of us who have been collecting Pertimali for decades waited patiently for the release of the spectacular 2013s, a vintage already being compared to the famous 2010 for its cellaring potential. “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage,” advised Wine Enthusiast.

Capturing the essence of 2013 while retaining the sense of elegance and precision that we’ve come to know and love from this great producer, the outstanding 2013 is Pertimali at its finest. At this price, it’s hands-down a must-buy for Brunello collectors and newcomers to Italian wine alike.