91pts James Suckling

Tasting Notes:

Bright spice, tobacco and leather make for a warm, brooding feel. But pretty fruit tones of cherry and blueberry bring up the rear.

Plum and ripe berry aromas and flavors, with hints of flowers and spices. Medium to full body, with fine tannins. And very good fruit. -91 Points - James Suckling - JamesSuckling.com

The Mocali estate, acquired by the Ciacci family (distant relations to Ciacci Piccolomini) in the 1950s, is a setting of natural Tuscan beauty where vineyards and olive groves alternate with oak and pine forests. This harmony of man and nature comes through in the delicious, ripe and balanced wines produced here, available at prices that are incredibly low when compared to those of the more established producers of Montalcino. The wines are particularly approachable when young, well-structured with ample body and an elegant, minerally character distinct to this growing area. Situated to the southwest of Montalcino at an altitude of 300-350 meters above sea-level on the slopes facing Castiglione del Bosco, the Mocali estate is comprised of 32 hectares, 6 of which are specialized vineyards (5 Hectares of Sangiovese grosso), and 4 dedicated to olive groves. As over half of the estate is covered by a vegetation characteristic to the hill on which Montalcino stands, the vineyards and olive groves alternate with a landscape of woodland of ilex, oak and arbutus. The soil is rendered highly mineral; salt owing to the presence of marl and limestone. Not being overly large, the Mocali estate lies under family management with the consultation of an expert oenologist.

The wines have been getting excellent press of late. The 2004 Brunello Riserva got 96 pts By Spectator

Intense ruby red in color, this Brunello has a complex and balanced nose, showing aromas of raspberries and liquorice with notes of chocolate and spice, varying from vanilla to cinnamon to coffee. Warm and full on the palate, the flavors are beautifully pronounced with excellent length.