Dear friends,
we are pleased to share with you something that, over the years, has become a ritual for us.
After each vintage, we set aside a small number of bottles of our Brunello di Montalcino. Wines that remain in our cellar, that we continue to follow and taste quietly, without a fixed plan, simply waiting for the moment when they are truly ready.
It is a simple gesture, repeated year after year. A way to respect the time of the wine.
Today, we feel that moment has arrived for two vintages in particular: we are pleased to present to you our new Second Release, dedicated to 2006 and 2008.
This is a project we have been carrying on for many years. It does not follow a schedule, and it cannot be reproduced in large quantities. These bottles have remained in our cellar since the day they were produced, aging under our direct care, without interruption. Each one is now presented in a numbered wooden case, together with a certificate of guarantee confirming its origin and its entire aging in our cellar.
The 2006 was an extraordinary year, with ideal weather conditions and a sunny, mild September. The wine immediately stood out for its robust tannic structure and vibrant acidity, perfectly balanced. This vintage is confirmed as one of the best I’ve ever produced, thanks to its incredible aging potential, which continues to surprise us year after year.
The 2006 Brunello today is defined by structure and depth. It comes from a long and favorable growing season, which gave wines with strong tannins and remarkable aging potential. Today, it has evolved into a more complete expression, where that initial power has softened into harmony and complexity.
The 2008 vintage follows a different path. The year 2008 began with a lot of rain during the spring that continued until mid-June; flowering, later than usual by some days, took place at the beginning of June, while the setting took longer than normal because the weather was too cool and damp. The month of July was hotter than average, while August was as expected, and with the grapes beginning to darken. September was a good month, with little rain and temperatures in the average.
2008 Brunello is more elegant from the beginning, thanks to a cooler and more regular season. Over time, it has developed with finesse, maintaining freshness while gaining precision and balance.
This vintage, born under cool conditions, has given life to an extremely elegant and refined wine. It’s a wine that continues to grow, promising surprises for those with the patience to wait a few more years.
What makes this release special is not only the quality of the vintages, but the path these bottles have followed. They have never been moved or reintroduced to the market until today. This is exactly how we intended them to be enjoyed, at the right moment.
Quantities are extremely limited, and each case is individually numbered. Once allocated, these wines will not be available again. A rare offering for those who know the value of time.
An old vintage of Brunello di Montalcino, carefully aged in our own cellar, is more than just a great wine. It’s a living memory, a piece of Montalcino’s history, a dream that’s been patiently waiting to be shared.
I hope these bottles will find their way to you, and accompany your most meaningful celebrations, becoming part of your own story.
With gratitude and warmth,
Luciano Ciolfi
SanLorenzo Montalcino