Montalcino
by Anthony Lynch
2022 Rosso di Montalcino
Italy | Tuscany
John Benda has only recently burst onto the scene in Montalcino, but he has already made a big splash. Following a radical career shift that saw him go from banking in London to following his dream of crafting world-class Sangiovese in Tuscany, he has established himself in the space of just a few years as one of the most exciting growers in Montalcino.
His secrets? Ideal vineyard placement, with small, rocky parcels isolated in the woods at the area’s highest point, and a maniacal dedication to the study and practice of viticulture and winemaking. Only John’s second release to date, this Rosso is saturated with vivid, youthful, and exceedingly pure cherry fruit underlain by a stimulating vein of freshness. A stylish Rosso imbued with the heart and soul John puts into his craft, it belongs in every Sangiovese lover’s cellar.
2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva “Phenomena”
Italy | Tuscany
A monumental effort from a vintage that will go down as one of the recent greats. All the depth, concentration, and intensity imaginable are densely packed into a tight, firm, chewy package. Truly noble, this Phenomena belongs in every collector’s cellar.