2018 — One of Brunello's Greatest Vintages in a Generation

The 2018 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is a more modern, finely tuned expression of Montalcino — combining depth of fruit with mineral tension, precision and energy in one of the most celebrated Brunello vintages of the past two decades. This is Brunello with drive and focus, where structure and freshness shape the wine as much as richness, from one of Montalcino's most pioneering and celebrated female producers.

The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest Brunello di Montalcino vintages in a generation — a growing season of exceptional balance that delivered wines of extraordinary concentration, natural acidity and structural integrity. For Donatella Cinelli Colombini, whose modern, precision-driven approach to Brunello has earned her an international following, 2018 represents the vintage where everything came together perfectly.

My Wine Man

This is for someone who enjoys Brunello with both power and precision — wines that combine fruit intensity with a more savoury, mineral edge and feel structured rather than soft.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini is one of Montalcino's most significant and pioneering figures — the first woman to lead a major Brunello estate, and one of the first producers to champion a more modern, detail-driven approach to Sangiovese that emphasises mineral tension and freshness alongside the traditional depth and structure of Brunello. Her Casato Prime Donne estate — farmed and managed entirely by women — is one of Montalcino's most celebrated and distinctive properties, producing Brunello of extraordinary precision and character.

At HK$499, this is exceptional value for a 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from one of the appellation's most celebrated and pioneering producers in one of the finest vintages of the past two decades.

In my view, this is one of the most compelling and distinctive Brunello expressions in the store — modern, precise and built with genuine ambition.

What makes this wine stand out

This is all about contrast and tension — the 2018 vintage delivering extraordinary fruit concentration while the Donatella Cinelli Colombini house style brings mineral precision and freshness to every glass.

Black cherry and blackberry sit at the core, layered with dark chocolate richness, but it is the mineral backbone that defines the wine — crushed rock, saline notes and wild fennel complexity. The tannins are chalky and structured, while the acidity keeps everything lifted and energetic. Powerful, but always controlled.

The defining feature is the tension — this is Brunello that delivers the depth and structure of a great vintage with the precision and mineral energy of a modern, detail-driven winemaking philosophy.

Precise, mineral and completely compelling.

Style / drinking window

Full-bodied with black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, crushed rock, saline notes and wild fennel complexity.

Chalky, structured tannins with bright acidity providing tension, lift and a long, precise finish of extraordinary depth.

Drinking well now with extended decanting (2 hours). Peak drinking from 2027 onwards, with a cellaring window extending to 2040+. Serve at 17°C.

Why this is a smart buy

If you want a Brunello that offers precision and mineral character from one of the appellation's most pioneering producers in one of the finest vintages in a generation, this is exceptional value.

• 2018 Brunello di Montalcino — widely regarded as one of the finest vintages of the past two decades, delivering wines of extraordinary concentration, acidity and structural integrity
• Donatella Cinelli Colombini — one of Montalcino's most significant and pioneering female producers, with a modern, precision-driven approach to Brunello that has earned an international following
• exceptional value — 2018 Brunello from a celebrated producer at HK$499 is genuinely hard to beat for the quality, vintage and provenance on offer

Ideal for roast lamb, wild boar, beef fillet, aged Pecorino or Parmigiano, truffle dishes or a landmark occasion. Decant for at least 2 hours.

Looking for a different style?

• 2019 Collina del Sol Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva → Tuscan Sangiovese, more approachable and food-friendly
• 2021 Château Louvie Grand Cru Saint-Émilion → structured, elegant and age-worthy
• 2013 Château de Fonbel Saint-Émilion Grand Cru → aged European red and cellaring potential

Life's too short for bad wine.