Ripe al Convento is Castelgiocondo’s single-vineyard Brunello Riserva, produced from a specific hilltop parcel within the estate at 450 metres elevation on pure galestro soils, taking its name from the ruins of the ancient Franciscan convent that once stood on this site. This is the pinnacle of the Castelgiocondo range, produced only in exceptional vintages and requiring a minimum of six years of ageing before release under DOCG Riserva regulations. The combination of the single-vineyard discipline, the elevation’s contribution to freshness and aromatic complexity, and the extended ageing requirement make Ripe al Convento one of the most age-worthy and ambitious expressions of Brunello di Montalcino produced by any of the appellation’s large estates.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino vintage is broadly considered the finest produced in the DOCG since 2010, and by some commentators the best in a generation. Warm, dry summer conditions produced Sangiovese Grosso of outstanding concentration and phenolic ripeness, while a period of cool nights in late summer and autumn preserved natural acidity and aromatic freshness at a level that prevents the 2015s from tipping into over-ripeness. James Suckling awarded the 2015 Ripe al Convento Riserva 97 points, his highest score for the wine, while Wine Advocate assigned 94, Wine Enthusiast 95 and Vinous 93, a convergence of high scores across four publications that places this among the most critically acclaimed Brunello releases in recent history.

The magnum format provides Ripe al Convento’s already exceptional age-worthiness with an additional layer of potential longevity. Standard 750ml bottles of the 2015 Ripe al Convento Riserva will develop well for 25 to 30 years from vintage; a magnum, evolving at a measurably slower rate, may carry another decade of development beyond that estimate. For collectors who seek the greatest single-vineyard Brunello Riserva expressions in the largest and most impressive format, the 2015 Ripe al Convento in magnum represents one of the most compelling Italian red wine acquisitions of this decade.

Deep garnet with a hauntingly complex nose of dark cherry, blackberry, dried rose, tobacco, cedar, clove, truffle and the distinctive iron-mineral edge of the Montalcino galestro. Full-bodied on the palate with firm but impeccably refined tannins, extraordinary natural acidity and a finish of seemingly limitless complexity and persistence. A Brunello of the very highest order in a landmark format. Best from 2030 through 2055.

A stunning wine from this great estate and vintage. The nose is fabulous with deep cherries, violets and earthy characters. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a seamlessly long, detailed finish. This is the best Ripe al Convento ever made and one of the finest Brunellos of the 2015 vintage.  — James Suckling