2021 L'Aietta Brunello di Montalcino

Founded in 2001 when an 18-year-old Francesco Mulinari discovered his family's steep picnic plot beneath Montalcino's fortified town walls was officially registered for Brunello, L'Aietta has evolved into one of the region's most compelling micro-domains. Recognised as the smallest estate in Montalcino, Mulinari works entirely by hand, farming high-altitude, ancient-terraced bush vines in sandy, rocky soils alongside a secondary site in Castelnuovo dell'Abate. His vines are farmed organically, and the wines made with minimal intervention, utilising ambient yeasts, fermentations without temperature-control, and aged in traditional Slavonian oak casks. The result are exceptionally pure, terroir-driven Sangiovese wines prized for traditional restraint, natural balance, and structural integrity.

Other Reviews...
In two neighbouring rudimentary shacks, Francesco Mulinari crafts an eclectic but fascinating range of wines. The Brunello takes its backbone from a 0.5-hectare vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, supplemented by lots from Mulinari’s original bush vine site on Montalcino’s western flank. Opening slowly, the nose reveals heady scents of cinnamon stick, crushed raspberry, cherry skin, plum blossom and lemon balm. Slim in build and linear in focus, it exemplifies depth without weight. Just-ripe, al dente tannins tug with a fine, tactile grain. Tart, crunchy red berries are nestled at core. Zesty acidity recalls fresh squeezed pink grapefruit. The finish is driven by stony minerals. What fabulous tension! Drink 2028-2041.
96 points
Michaela Morris - Decanter

Winemaker Francesco Mulinari makes stunning wines year in year out, and his L’Aietta 2021 Brunello entices with its beautiful fragrance of violet, ripe dark-skinned berry, new leather, eucalyptus and fine tobacco blend. Brimming with finesse, the palate offers ripe wild cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and spiced orange peel. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced.
97 points
Kerrin O’Keefe