What are the best Brunello vintages? And during which period can you optimally enjoy your fantastic Brunello? We are happy to help you with a comprehensive overview. The quality and drinking window vary by vintage, depending on climatic conditions. Below is an overview of the Brunello di Montalcino vintages from 2000 onwards, with ratings and drinking windows. The ratings regarding the quality of the vintages come from Gambero Rosso.

2000

Rating : 3 stars - good, very good
Characteristics : Warm year, wines with ripe tannins and softer structure.
Best drinking window : 2010-2025

2001

Rating : 5 stars - excellent
Characteristics : Classic vintage, wines with structure, balance, and great aging potential.
Best drinking window : 2013-2035

2002

Rating : 2 stars - mediocre
Characteristics : Difficult year due to heavy rainfall, wines are lighter and less complex.
Best drinking window : 2008-2020

2003

Rating : 3 stars - good, very good
Characteristics : Very warm year, wines are full and ripe, but lack some acidity.
Best drinking window : 2012-2025

2004

Rating : 4 stars - Very good
Characteristics : Colder, consistent growing conditions, wines with a good balance between acidity and tannins.
Best drinking window : 2015-2038

2005

Rating : 3 stars - Good very good

Characteristics : Variable weather led to wines with a softer structure, but still elegant.
Best drinking window : 2014-2030

2006

Rating : 4 stars - Very good
Characteristics : Warmer year, powerful, tannic wines with long aging potential.
Best drinking window : 2016-2040

2007

Rating : 4 stars - Very good
Characteristics : Warmer year, but the wines are more accessible with softer tannins than 2006.
Best drinking window : 2015-2035

2008

Rating : 3 stars - Good very good
Characteristics : Cooler year, wines with elegance and finesse, but slightly less powerful.
Best drinking window : 2016-2032

2009

Rating : 2 stars+ - Fair/Good
Characteristics : Warm year, wines are fruitier, softer, and more accessible.
Best drinking window : 2017-2030

2010

Rating : 5 stars - Excellent
Characteristics : Classic vintage, perfect ripening season, wines with depth, structure, and great aging potential.
Best drinking window : 2020-2045

2011

Rating : 4 stars - Very good
Characteristics : Warm year, wines are slightly riper and fuller, but lack the elegance of 2010.
Best drinking window : 2018-2033

2012

Rating : 3 stars - Good to very good
Characteristics : Warm year, wines with concentrated fruit and good tannin structure.
Best drinking window : 2019-2035

2013

Rating : 5 stars - Excellent
Characteristics : Classic vintage, wines with freshness, elegance, and great depth.
Best drinking window : 2021-2040

2014

Rating : 2 stars - Mediocre
Characteristics : Wet and difficult year, the wines are lighter and have a shorter aging potential.
Best drinking window : 2018-2028

2015

Rating : 4 stars - Very Good
Characteristics : Warm year, but with sufficient rainfall to preserve freshness. Powerful and rich wines.
Best drinking window : 2023-2040

2016

Rating : 5 stars - Excellent
Characteristics : Ideal conditions, perfectly balanced wines with great aging potential.
Best drinking window : 2025-2045

2017

Rating : 2 stars + - Good
Characteristics : Very warm year, resulting in fuller and riper wines, less elegant than 2016.
Best drinking window : 2023-2035

2018

Rating : 3 stars - Good to very good
Characteristics : Variable year, but talented winemakers produced balanced and elegant wines.
Best drinking window : 2024-2038

2019

Rating : 5 stars - Excellent
Characteristics : Classic vintage with balanced ripening conditions, wines with structure and depth.
Best drinking window : 2026-2045

2020

Rating : 5 stars vintage - very good
Characteristics : Warmer year, wines with ripe fruit and soft tannins. As a result, the wines will be ready to drink sooner.
Best drinking window : 2026-2040

The very finest Brunellos naturally come from the 5-star vintages such as 2001, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. We know from experience that the wines from the 4-star vintages also produce beautiful Brunellos. The vintages 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2015 are also highly sought-after among Brunello di Montalcino enthusiasts. Among the 3-star vintages 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, and 2018, the Brunellos from producers who make truly beautiful Brunellos are also highly recommended. In these vintages as well, many Brunellos received very good scores from wine journalists.

Our drinking advice to enjoy your Brunello to the fullest. Decant the wine, or even better, open the bottle 4 to 8 hours in advance and pour a small amount from the bottle. This gives the wine time to open up slowly and reveal its beautiful aromas and flavors to the drinker. Drink the wine at a maximum of 18°C; room temperature of 21°C is really too warm. And Brunello is a "food wine"; pair it with a fine piece of meat, cured meats, or spicy, hard cheeses.

Discover our Brunello di Montalcino here.

Cheers!