San Giorgio Ugolforte 2017 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany Italy

93 Points James Suckling – Lots of ripe plum and fresh flowers on the nose follow through to a full body with layers of fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Sort of dusty texture. Flavorful and delicious. Transparent.

93 Points Wine & Spirits – The ColleMassari group took over this property in 2016, with 64 vineyard acres adjacent to the group’s Poggio di Sotto estate in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southeastern sector of Montalcino. This is the first vintage that Federico Staderini and his team controlled from start to finish, aging the wine in 30-hectoliter Slavonian casks instead of the small barrels that had been used in previous years. It unfolds with flavors of black cherry and sour cherry laced with notes of licorice, blood orange and mortared herbs. Tangy acidity propels the flavors as they ride on big, smooth tannins that feel classically powerful.

92 Points Wine Spectator – Tightly wound, this red evokes cherry, raspberry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors, with a solid tannic spine giving this support and a firm grip on the lingering finish. Tips a wee bit to the tannins in overall harmony, yet this is complex and long. Best from 2025 

92 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – The San Giorgio 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte (with 30,000 bottles made) is a little subdued when compared to the 2016 vintage, and it delivers broad aromas of plummy dark fruit, spice and crushed roses. The wine is mid-weight in texture, but there is a good amount of power packed within, thanks to the wine’s structure and its compact fruit.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast – This opens with aromas recalling dark spice, leather, forest floor and a whiff of coconut. The taut, linear palate starts off with dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean before close-grained tannins jump to the forefront and leave an abrupt, rather astringent finish. Despite the drying tannins, drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit. Drink 2024–2029.

90 Points Decanter – Poggio di Sotto’s sister estate, Tenuta San Giorgio was purchased by the Tipa-Bertarelli family in late 2016. As of the 2017 vintage, the two share the same winemaking team with the talented Federico Staderini consulting. This is its usual balsamic self on the nose, with dusty clay and cherry compote joining those classic oily herbs on the palate. At the moment, it demonstrates structure over fruit and the tannins are a tad dry and rustic. Finishes on a tarry, leather note.

Winemaker Notes

San Giorgio Ugolforte presents a dark core of red and black berry fruit layered with earth, leather, smoke, and herbs. Complex and elegant, the wine is full on the palate and firm in tannin structure. Refreshing acidity frames a graceful finish. Classic Brunello di Montalcino.

Traditionally paired with game and hardy, autumnal fare, Brunello di Montalcino is one of the world’s great red wines. Enjoy with a celebratory meal or contemplate alone as a true “Vino da Meditazione.”