94pts Vinous
The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante boasts a smoky mix of grilled sage and red currants that gives way to mint and tangerine notes fighting hard to be seen. This is surprisingly lifted and vibrant for the vintage, with tart red berries that cascade across the palate, accelerated by brisk acids and a salty flourish toward the close. It leaves a saturation of tannins, creating a youthfully dry wine with lingering hard red candies. The 2017 will need a little time to soften, but it has the balance to excel. There will be no Bassolino di Sopra in 2017 because all the fruit was used to bolster the Vigneti del Versante. Drinking Window: 2025-2032

– ByEric GuidoonFebruary 2023

Husband and wife team Jan Hendrik Erbach and Caroline Pobitzer are at the top of their game. This newest set of releases is a perfect example of that. For one thing, they did a fantastic job of dealing with the harsh conditions of the 2017 vintage with the Vigneti del Versante. Only a few wines from this vintage maintain this level of purity and depth. Erbach confirmed there would be no Bassolino di Sopra from 2017, as all the fruit went to the Vigneti del Versante. Speaking of Bassolino di Sopra, the 2016 is flirting with perfection. I have continuously tasted this wine over the years, and it has blossomed into one of the most complex yet harmonious young Brunellos I can think of. Ironically, Erbach speaks more about how hes not 100% happy with the final result, which shows why the quality level at this estate continues to soar.

Vineyard & Terroir
The Vigneti del Versante (“vineyards of the eastern slope”) is a single-vineyard Brunello sourced from the Poggio dell’Orino and Poggio al Vento parcels on the eastern side of Montalcino, at altitudes between 320400 meters above sea level. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone with marl (galestro) and rich in minerals, contributing to the wine’s vibrancy and length.

Exposure is east-southeast, ensuring a cooler microclimate ideal for preserving acidity and aromatic complexity, especially in the hot and dry 2017 vintage. The estate employs low yields, meticulous canopy management, and biodynamic practices, which foster healthy, resilient vines and pure fruit expression.

Vinification & Aging
Hand-harvested in early September 2017, grapes were carefully sorted and destemmed before undergoing spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasted around 30 days with gentle extraction via pump-overs and manual punch-downs.

The wine was aged for 36 months in large Stockinger oak casks (2530hL), followed by additional time in bottle before release. No fining or filtration was performed, allowing for full expression of site and vintage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections.
• Nose: Highly aromatic with precise notes of wild red cherry, dried rose, orange zest, and sweet herbs, followed by hints of cedar, underbrush, and warm spice.
• Palate: Medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and polished, finely integrated tannins. The mouthfeel is elegant and structured, carrying flavors of sour cherry, cranberry, tobacco leaf, and a touch of graphite.
• Finish: Long, mineral-driven, and persistent with a saline edge and lingering aromatic lift.

Vintage Consideration
2017 was a warm, dry vintage marked by lower yields and concentration. Pian dell’Orino masterfully adapted through precise vineyard management, picking earlier for freshness and focusing on balance over power. The result is a Brunello of remarkable finesse, even in a vintage known for boldness.

Cellaring Potential
Drink now with decanting, or cellar confidently for the next 1015 years. The wine will gain further aromatic complexity and tertiary development with age.