Description
The 2019 Brunellos and 2018 Riservas are already causing quite a stir in the trade. Sesti have just hit the market and are truly phenomenal wines.
The freshness and delicacy of these wines is always impressive, but this release really stands out for its quality and accessibility, both wines are already drinking beautifully displaying all of Brunello’s most compelling features.
The critics are beginning to recognise the impressiveness of this estate, with Erica Guido of Vinous commenting that the 2019 Brunello “pulls the taster close to the glass” and will enjoy a “long and broad drinking window”, while he describes the 2018 Phenomena Riserva as “beguiling”, and “vivid”. Below,
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PHENOMENA is the name given to the Brunello di Montalcino RISERVA to commemorate a significant astronomical event which occurred during the year of harvest.
The graphics of the label of various years, while keeping the name SESTI and PHENOMENA, change in both image and colour. Under the astronomical event commemorated on this label.
On the 27th July 2018 the largest total eclipse of the Moon this century was seen in the heavens. This coincided with three other Moon events a " Blood Moon" a " Super Moon" and a " Blue Moon" not seen since 31st May 1844. It's next appearon with be on 31st January 2037
JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
Drink: 2026 - 2040
"Deep to dark ruby with orange tinges. Very backward on the nose only revealing minerally, savoury spice notes. Rich yet taut with deep, tangy cherry fruit and with fantastic tactile, chewy tannins. Stunning balance." (WS)
DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Michaela Morris (at Chiostro Museo Montalcino, 14 Nov 2023) Part of Brunello di Montalcino 2019 – ‘spoiled for choice’: Full report
"Once again, Sesti’s Phenomena tops this year’s Riserva releases. As always, it marks a specific cosmic event: in 2018, this was the super blue blood moon of 31 January, the most important lunar eclipse of the 21st century. For a wine that has aged in cask for so long (52 months), this is impossibly fresh and well preserved. Just hinting at its splendour, aromas build steadily with dried lavender, basil and sweet wet soil. The palate teases tenderly with an initial caress and sumptuousness of fruit, then reveals its secure, authoritative grip. Tangy tamarind underscores raspberry in the tightly wound core, while it maintains a very savoury and sapid character throughout."
