# 20 PRIMA’s ’24 for 24’ Best Wines Of The Year

Sure, Uccelliera’s popular Rosso di Montalcino is one of the top examples of Tuscan Sangiovese every vintage- it is even always notably successful in what are considered less-successful vintages- but in a near-perfect, historically exciting vintage like 2021, we have something extra special: a punchier, zingier, richer Rosso than even the benchmark 2016.  We think it’s could be one of the best ever produced at this august locale! Located in the warmer southern section of Montalcino- right across the street from the equally famous Ciacci Piccolomini where Uccelliera owner/winemaker Andrea Cortonesi used to man the cellar, this artisanal cantina has earned an enviable reputation for its rich, dramatic Brunello di Montalcino (the 2019 of which we still have in stock) and a Rosso that wa-ay over delivers for the price.  Always made for immediate gratification, the 2021 Rosso will, indeed, thanks to its very dark, rich black cherry and dried blueberry fruit and lovely cinnamon spice, certainly gratify immediately, but with its great natural acidity and concentrated fruit, we think it will be a great cellar candidate as well.  Old bottles of Uccelliera Rosso never disappoint.  But make sure you get to drink all summer long with steaks, chops and anything else from the grill.  Very highly recommended.
Vinous: Darkly alluring, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino slowly comes to life with a beguiling blend of mentholated herbs, pine shavings and dried strawberries. This sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, soothing all that it touches with ripe red fruits and rosy inner florals guided by vibrant acidity. It finishes structured, potent and long, punching well above its weight class, as licorice mingles with savory spices through the youthfully tense finale. This is next-level Rosso di Montalcino. In a word, spellbinding. 93 points
Wine Spectator: Rich, vibrant and complex, this Rosso delivers cherry, raspberry, iron and Tuscan scrub flavors. This is harmonious and firms up nicely on the finish. Fine aftertaste. Drink now through 2030. 2,933 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. 92 points