Castello Banfi is a pioneering Montalcino estate founded in 1978 by the Mariani family, built around the restored medieval Poggio alle Mura castle. Spanning thousands of hectares south of Montalcino, the property combines cutting‑edge research with a deep commitment to Sangiovese, helping elevate Brunello on the world stage. Known for its meticulous vineyard work, sustainability focus, and polished, internationally recognized style, Castello Banfi produces Brunello, Rosso, and a wide range of Tuscan and Piedmont wines that reflect both innovation and regional heritage.
On the nose, violets, sweet ripe red fruits and berries, as well as cigar box and spices. Flavors of plums, cherries, blackberry jam and raspberries, with hint of wood. Well-structured with extraordinary concentration of fruit. Supple tannins and long finish. Ideal with red meat, savory game, and aged cheeses.
96 James Suckling Black-cherry, ash, bark and dried dark-mushroom aromas follow through to a medium to full body with a solid sense of tannin and acidity. Polished and focused. Needs time to soften a bit, but shows fascinating oyster-shell and iodine undertones. Best in three or four years. Tasted: September 2023
94 Wine Spectator Full of bright cherry and raspberry flavors, this round red delivers a lot of immediate appeal, yet also boasts a solid layer of supportive tannins. Wild herb, iron and tobacco accents chime in on the extended finish, showing terrific balance and finesse. Best from 2027 through 2042.
93 Jeb Dunnuck The dark magenta 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Poggio Alle Mura is compact and rich on the nose with notes of black cherry, licorice, graphite, and pine sap. It is lighter on its feet than the nose might suggest, although it’s full-bodied, with its tannins expanding and building through the midpalate and finish, and it has good length. It takes on an earthier tone through the finish leaving a gripping sensation, and it’s going to benefit from a few years in the cellar before drinking. Drink 2026-2036.
91 Decanter Named after the medieval castle that presides over Banfi’s expansive property in the southwest of Montalcino, Poggio alle Mura is the estate’s limited production Brunello. It is crafted from parcels planted with selected clones based on a zonation study in the 1980s. The animated 2019 charms with nutmeg, juniper and fennel-laced red berries. Youthful fruit is yielding and pliable though still wrapped up in some dry, toasty oak tannins. Perhaps wants a bit more concentration to absorb the alcohol. Give this another year in bottle to come together. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2031
