"Eric Guido, Vinous.com 95+ Points
Darkly alluring and understated in the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo wafts up to show musky black currants offset by hints of sage and clove. This is graceful and finessed, yet enveloping, with bright acidity enlivening its red plum and ripe strawberry fruits, as hints of balsamic spice resonate throughout. The 2018 finishes with a grippy tension, as fine tannins penetrate deeply, leaving hints of dried cherries and lavender that slowly fade. The Vigna del Suolo will require patience to fully soften and unlock its aromatics. That said, it will be worth the wait. This is a beauty. Drinking Window 2025 - 2034 Reviewed October 2022
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 94 points
In the cream-colored label, the Argiano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo (with 5,000 bottles made) shows good fruit vibrancy with cherry, dried raspberry and plum. The tannins are silky and fine, and the wine coats the palate with mid-weight texture and balanced freshness. This is a relatively new addition to the Argiano portfolio (the first vintage was 2015). It draws its fruit from the expanses of vines on the dirt road that leads to this property's epic castle. Drink Date 2024 - 2040"
Argiano’s history dates back to 1580, when the Pecci family of Siena began the construction of a magnificent villa, complete with vast cellars. In 1967, Argiano, which is the south west quarter of the Brunello appellation, was one of the founder members of the Consorzio di Brunello. In 1992 Contessa Noemi Marone Cinzano bought the estate, and engaged the world-famous Giacomo Tachis (the creator of Sassicaia, Tignanello and Solaia) as consultant oenologist. Under his guidance, the Sangiovese vineyards were extended and the cellars modernised. In 2013, André Esteves, a Brazilian financier bought Argiano. Since then, he has provided funds for a massive updating of the entire estate. New cellars have been built, the villa is undergoing an extensive renovation programme and the vineyards have been mapped into six separate zones by the acclaimed Chilean terroir consultant, Pedro Parra. In consequence of the switch to organic methods, the bee population has soared throughout the estate, which covers 125 hectares, 70 of which are under vine.
The Argiano plateau is at 300m. The soil is clay, with limestone and fossils. Vigna Suolo is 100% Sangiovese Grosso from the oldest vines (55 years old), fermented on the skins in stainless steel for 2 or 3 weeks. The malo-lactic fermentation follows on from the alcoholic. Aged for about 30 months in 15 Hl Garbellotto barrels, specially selected for this wine. Bottled in April and held for about 10 months before release to market.
