Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Fattoria Uccelliera, Toscana, IT, 2021

Overall critic consensus (2021 Uccelliera Brunello)

Across major reviewers, the wine lands in the 95–96 point range, placing it in the “outstanding / top-tier Brunello” category for the vintage.

• Jeb Dunnuck – 96 points
  Structured, bright, and floral with cranberry, cherry, rose, anise, and polished leather. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins, high freshness, and long aging potential (20+ years).
• James Suckling – 96 points
  Classic Brunello profile: wild strawberry, raspberry, violet, smoky wood, licorice. Described as full-bodied, energetic, and minerally with velvety tannins and long finish.
• Wine Spectator – 96 points
  Notes of plum, cherry, leather, earth, menthol. Shows grippy structure with dusty tannins and a compact, age-worthy finish.
• Kerin O'Keefe – 95 points
  Rich and layered: dark spice, Mediterranean herbs, lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, and black cherry. Firm tannins but balanced acidity and strong aging potential.
• Vinous – 95 points
  Highly detailed aromatic profile: mint, pine, dried strawberry, dusty earth, rose tones, mineral crunch. Emphasizes finesse, lift, and textural elegance.

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Additional professional context

• Multiple reviewers describe the 2021 vintage as:
  • Structured but refined
  • High acidity + firm tannin backbone
  • More classic, cool-toned Brunello style
• Drinking window commonly suggested:
  2026–2045+ (best with aging)

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Interpretation (what critics are really saying)

Putting the reviews together:

• This is a serious, cellar-worthy Brunello
• More precision and tension than immediate plushness
• Clearly built for long aging rather than early drinking
• Sits in the upper tier of the 2021 Brunello vintage

The Uccelliera estate was at once part of neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini until 1986, when winemaker Andrea Cortonesi purchased it from his friends and former employers. After refining his trade as cellar master for Ciacci, Andrea ventured out on his own with the formation of Uccelliera. His first vintage was 1991 with the production of a mere 500 bottles!