Castello Romitori, outstanding Brunello Riserva
The foundations for Castello Romitorio were probably laid down in Roman times, after which it became a monastery until at least the twelfth century, before being fortified upon the outbreak of hostilities between Florence and Sienna. The present building dates from the fourteenth century, was restored as a luxury villa in the nineteenth and then abandoned during the Second World War, after which it became a shelter for shepherds and their flocks. In the 1970s, it was bought by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, a restorer of historic buildings but who was unable to finish the task and so sold the castle as a ruin, in 1984, to Sandro Chia, a famed painter and sculptor. Chia’s attitude was that Romitorio could only shine once more if, after renovation of the Castle, its ancient association with winegrowing were also revived, so he set about replanting the vineyards.
Castello Romitorio inaugurated its new cellar in 2005, the year in which Sandro’s son, Filippo, joined the venture and began a series of profound changes in the vineyards and the winery, focusing entirely on the Sangiovese grape which, in the cooler and more shaded Romitorio vineyards, produces wines of unparalleled delicacy and refinement. After thirty years of effort and investment, Romitorio is now widely recognised as one of Brunello’s leading producers, and they have just released their 2015 Brunello Riserva to international and domestic acclaim. This is an outstanding wine not to be missed.
Wines are due to arrive late summer. Price is IB per case size as indicated. All wines offered subject to remaining available.
2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Castello Romitorio
3 x 75cl – £180
6 x 75cl – £350
12 x 75cl – £675
The 2015 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is youthfully restrained yet also surprisingly feminine, leading off with a dusting of cedar and white smoke, as nuances of strawberry, rose and violet perfumes come forward. It’s silky and undeniably elegant, seeming to coat the palate in a polished display of red and black berries, liquid florals and minerals which slowly saturate adding a tactile feel. A complex web of tannins wrap the senses up tightly, leaving sweet inner herbal tones and savory spices to linger. This is like a whisper rather than a shout, yet it has so much to say. In forty years, only nine vintages of Riserva have ever been made at Romitorio, and the 2015 is sure to rank amongst the best of them. – Vinous 95+ pts Drinking window: 2024 – 2034 Eric Guido. Tasting date: November 2020
This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2047. 620 cases made, 150 cases imported. — BS Wine Spectator Score: 98 Release Price: $290 Issue: Jun 30, 2021 Designation: Collectible
I’d like to apologise, on behalf of LCB, to all those customers awaiting deliveries. In all the years that I’ve been in the wine trade I have never heard of it to take so long for wine to make it across the channel and into a bonded warehouse, not since the days when Emperor Charlemagne used oxen and carts to deliver barrels of Burgundy. This is exacerbated by the state of London City Bond itself, which seems incapable of dealing with all the new procedures, paperwork and demand. I do hope things will improve, but I thank you for your patience thus far.