2021 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino
The 2021 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino is an outstanding release from one of the reference-point estates of the appellation that has been long established in Montalcino since the early 20th century. The estate’s vineyards are largely set on the northeastern side of the zone, an area associated with traditionally proportioned, ageworthy Brunello. Fuligni has built its reputation on wines that bridge old-school structure and modern polish, and the 2021 vintage is especially well suited to that style, with many describing the year as intense yet balanced, with strong aging potential and a return to a more classical profile. This has a lot to say in the glass and is a worthy Brunello with pure cherry and dark berry fruit, rose petal, orange zest, earth, spice, and fine mineral lift, all carried by bright energy, refined tannins, and the poised, refined shape that makes Fuligni such a great address in Montalcino with '21 being an stand out example not to miss.
James Suckling 99 points! "So perfumed and seductive on the nose, with black cherries, minerals and rose petals that follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins. Its finesse and vision tell you why Brunello is great. Long, vivid and beautifully balanced. Already a joy to taste, but best after 2027. (12/13/25)"
Wine Enthusiast (Kerin O'Keefe) 98 points! "Lavender, eucalyptus, dark spice, new leather and juniper berry aromas shape the beautiful nose on the 2021 Fuligni Brunello. All about class and finesse, the palate boasts great intensity, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, blood orange, star anise and rosemary alongside vibrant acidity. Taut, refined tannins lend support. While incredibly tempting, this is still young so give it time to reach its full potential. Drink: 2031–2041. Abv: 14.5%. (Nov 2025)"
Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) 96 points! "The Fuligni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant expression with layers of dark fruit and blackcurrant that give way to pressed rose, grilled herb and petrichor, recalling rocks bathed in hot sunlight. The wine is chiseled and refined, owing to the classic nature of the vintage and the restrained, non-extractive house style that distinguishes Fuligni, a historic estate based just outside the village of Montalcino on higher-elevation sites. The wine shows precision with fine tannic tension and a linear, poised finish, making it an ideal match for traditional Tuscan dishes such as pappardelle al cinghiale or grilled lamb with rosemary. The wine ages for three years in Slavonian oak casks and tonneaux, resulting in a production of 30,000 bottles."
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points! "Displaying a jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino is refreshing and complete, with ripe red cherries, orange peel, dusty earth, potpourri, cocoa, and bright spice on the nose, along with hints of floral incense and delicate smoky earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and energetic, with refined, angular tannins, zesty lift, and balanced length that keeps it classic and vibrant. I love this vintage for Fuligni, and it should continue to improve with time. Drink 2026-2040."
Ian D'Agata 97 points! "One of the best of the 2021 Brunellos, Fuligni’s latest creation is a masterpiece of classicism. Good full, deep red. The refined nose offers aromas of dark red cherry, raspberry, violet, flint and cedar. Then silky and compact in the mouth, with an enticing multi-layered quality to its complex, still youthfully brooding flavours of red berries, dark plum, and orange peel. Firm tannins frame the palate-coating flavours without introducing any hardness but leave an impression of steeliness and tapered, elegant delivery of fruit. This beauty really resonates on the rising, pure, precise finish. Drinking window: 2030-2040. (12/19/25)"
Vinous (Eric Guido) 95 points! "The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino mixes crushed violets and roses with nuances of sour citrus and wild berries to form its alluring bouquet. A model of purity, it is surprisingly lifted yet silken in feel, with pretty red berry fruits swirling across a tactile mineral core. Sweet tannins and a staining of primary concentration remain, finishing long and balanced with a pleasantly chewy sensation that lingers. While already appealing, the 2021 will require cellaring to soften the blow. Drink: 2028-2046. (Nov 2025
Decanter 95 points! "Fragrant notes of red fruits, flowers and citrus announce an elegant, admirably balanced silhouette with authoritative stature. The wine's textural compactness, measured personality and stylistic consistency are convincing. This noble family has cultivated vines in Montalcino for over 100 years. The 15 hectares of vineyards, mainly around the estate’s centre to the east of Montalcino, are 380-450 metres above sea level."
Description
The 2021 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino is an outstanding release from one of the reference-point estates of the appellation that has been long established in Montalcino since the early 20th century. The estate’s vineyards are largely set on the northeastern side of the zone, an area associated with traditionally proportioned, ageworthy Brunello. Fuligni has built its reputation on wines that bridge old-school structure and modern polish, and the 2021 vintage is especially well suited to that style, with many describing the year as intense yet balanced, with strong aging potential and a return to a more classical profile. This has a lot to say in the glass and is a worthy Brunello with pure cherry and dark berry fruit, rose petal, orange zest, earth, spice, and fine mineral lift, all carried by bright energy, refined tannins, and the poised, refined shape that makes Fuligni such a great address in Montalcino with '21 being an stand out example not to miss.
James Suckling 99 points! "So perfumed and seductive on the nose, with black cherries, minerals and rose petals that follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins. Its finesse and vision tell you why Brunello is great. Long, vivid and beautifully balanced. Already a joy to taste, but best after 2027. (12/13/25)"
Wine Enthusiast (Kerin O'Keefe) 98 points! "Lavender, eucalyptus, dark spice, new leather and juniper berry aromas shape the beautiful nose on the 2021 Fuligni Brunello. All about class and finesse, the palate boasts great intensity, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, blood orange, star anise and rosemary alongside vibrant acidity. Taut, refined tannins lend support. While incredibly tempting, this is still young so give it time to reach its full potential. Drink: 2031–2041. Abv: 14.5%. (Nov 2025)"
Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) 96 points! "The Fuligni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant expression with layers of dark fruit and blackcurrant that give way to pressed rose, grilled herb and petrichor, recalling rocks bathed in hot sunlight. The wine is chiseled and refined, owing to the classic nature of the vintage and the restrained, non-extractive house style that distinguishes Fuligni, a historic estate based just outside the village of Montalcino on higher-elevation sites. The wine shows precision with fine tannic tension and a linear, poised finish, making it an ideal match for traditional Tuscan dishes such as pappardelle al cinghiale or grilled lamb with rosemary. The wine ages for three years in Slavonian oak casks and tonneaux, resulting in a production of 30,000 bottles."
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points! "Displaying a jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino is refreshing and complete, with ripe red cherries, orange peel, dusty earth, potpourri, cocoa, and bright spice on the nose, along with hints of floral incense and delicate smoky earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and energetic, with refined, angular tannins, zesty lift, and balanced length that keeps it classic and vibrant. I love this vintage for Fuligni, and it should continue to improve with time. Drink 2026-2040."
Ian D'Agata 97 points! "One of the best of the 2021 Brunellos, Fuligni’s latest creation is a masterpiece of classicism. Good full, deep red. The refined nose offers aromas of dark red cherry, raspberry, violet, flint and cedar. Then silky and compact in the mouth, with an enticing multi-layered quality to its complex, still youthfully brooding flavours of red berries, dark plum, and orange peel. Firm tannins frame the palate-coating flavours without introducing any hardness but leave an impression of steeliness and tapered, elegant delivery of fruit. This beauty really resonates on the rising, pure, precise finish. Drinking window: 2030-2040. (12/19/25)"
Vinous (Eric Guido) 95 points! "The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino mixes crushed violets and roses with nuances of sour citrus and wild berries to form its alluring bouquet. A model of purity, it is surprisingly lifted yet silken in feel, with pretty red berry fruits swirling across a tactile mineral core. Sweet tannins and a staining of primary concentration remain, finishing long and balanced with a pleasantly chewy sensation that lingers. While already appealing, the 2021 will require cellaring to soften the blow. Drink: 2028-2046. (Nov 2025
Decanter 95 points! "Fragrant notes of red fruits, flowers and citrus announce an elegant, admirably balanced silhouette with authoritative stature. The wine's textural compactness, measured personality and stylistic consistency are convincing. This noble family has cultivated vines in Montalcino for over 100 years. The 15 hectares of vineyards, mainly around the estate’s centre to the east of Montalcino, are 380-450 metres above sea level."
