Here’s something you don’t see every day… Bottles, Magnums and Double Magnums of Stella di Campalto.
Stella di Campalto’s relatively new winery (Founded 1992, first Brunello vintage 2004) has taken over from Soldera as THE cult winery in Montalcino. The wines are graceful, ethereal and intense. Easily candidates for the best wines in the whole of Italy and can happily sit alongside the best Burgundy Grand Crus.
This tiny estate to the south of Montalcino in Castelnuovo dell'Abate has unusually diverse vineyard plots, despite only having 7.5 hectares under vine. They have 12 different soil types around their cellar from galestro, calcite, clay, sand, iron and quartz. Attention to detail is unparalleled and they vinify wines separately from each of the nine miniscule vineyard plots. The aim here is to produce the best fruit and soil expression of her magical vineyards. Only after time in barrel do they decide what to bottle, whether blended or not.
The 2016 VCLC comes from one of the greatest ever vintages and, while not rated by critics yet, was the best wine I have tried over the past few years of visiting Montalcino. A real vinous moment.
These are unique wines of soul. The quintessence of Sangiovese and yet also so much more. Please let us know ASAP if you would like to secure some of these rarities.
All prices are in bond
2016 Stella di Campalto, Brunello di Montalcino 'VCLC'
VCLC = Vigna Curva Lato Cantina
2 cases (6x75cl) at £1680
1 case (3x75cl) at £840
6 Magnums (1x150cl) at £610
4 Jeros (1x300cl) at £1320
43 months wood ageing. 32 month bottle ageing before release. From the Curva vines beside the winery (lato cantina).
Only 6,447 75cl bottles and 770 magnums produced. “This is a rich, clear and bright vintage.” According to the winery.
2018 Brunello di Montalcino 'Cielo'
3 cases (6x75cl) at £1290
18 magnums (1x150cl) at £460
4 jeros (1x300cl) at £995
31 months wood ageing. 20 month bottle ageing before release. A blend of four different vineyard plots.
7,225 75cl bottles and 1,400 magnums produced. “A mellifluous and airy vintage.” According to the winery
All about sheer elegance and energy, the fragrant 2018 Brunello Cielo from Stella di Campalto has an enticing nose of perfumed berry, camphor, wild rose and Mediterranean brush. Certified organic and made with biodynamic farming methods, this is sheer elegance and energy, with a focused, savory palate that delivers juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, blood orange and star anise before closing on a rosemary note. Tight, taut and fine-grained tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it vibrant. It’s still youthfully austere and will benefit with more cellaring. Drink 2028–2038
96pts - Kerin O’Keefe