A famed property in Brunello, Castiglion del Bosco is named after the bosco,(wood), surrounding the Castiglion (walled castle), is the domain of deer, boars, pheasants and vineyards planted with Sangiovese that is set on gravel and clay soils. The property boasts a hotel and golf club as well with a scenic backdrop that is as good as it gets for Tuscany.
The new wines that I tasted were the entry level Brunello as well as their ‘Campo del Drago’ which is their cru wine from the Capanna area, spanning 1.5 hectares at a high elevation site. 2018 was not the easiest vintage to navigate with cool weather and rains at early summer which was followed by a hot and dry later summer. Wines were stored for 24 months in French oak and I was very impressed with both new bottlings. My feeling is that both wines need several hours of air before consuming at the moment. The 2018 Castiglion del Bosco ‘Campo del Drago’ Brunello (OB, 95) which is heady and intense but also shows incredible nuance and a silky texture. Learn more about this amazing Tuscan property at https://wine.castigliondelbosco.com/ and here are my reviews of the incredible new wines by Castiglion del Bosco.
2018 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino- The outstanding 2018 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino comes from this vintage that saw a very warm end to summer. Dark truffle shavings combine with dried herbs, white pepper and shades of Nori on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with silky tannins that frame a beautiful core of red fruits, orange rind and truffle shavings. This is seriously good stuff for the price that is already providing plenty of drinking enjoyment. Drink 2023-2037- 94
2018 Castiglion del Bosco ‘Campo del Drago’ Brunello di Montalcino- The 2018 Castiglion del Bosco ‘Campo del Drago’ Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning new bottling that is already showing great now at the five year mark. Once on the nose this shows off beautiful red rose petal notes alongside potpourri, allspice, blood orange zest and shades of Linzer torte. The palate is concentrated and wonderfully earthy with refined tannins and great concentration. The combination of weight, verve and flavor range is amazing. Seriously good to consume now, this will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2040- 95