La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [KO 95] [WA 94] [JD 93+] [F 93] [VM 92] [JS 92] [DM 92]

About this Winery: 
This small wine estate has established itself as one of the great crus in this territory in the heart of Tuscany, delineated by the Orcia and Ombrone valleys. The estate, formerly owned by the Biondi-Santi family, was purchased by the late Sergio Rossi (formerly at Altesino-Caparzo), and is now run by vineyard manager/director Alberto Passeri and winemaker Vittorio Fiore. They make five wines, all made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso, the only grape planted on the property. Their first vintage was in 1976, making La Gerla one of the first 35 bottlers of Brunello di Montalcino; these days, there are 280. The winery name comes from the large, old-fashioned, conical baskets that grape-harvesters used to carry on their backs.

• Land was purchased by Sergio Rossi in 1976 and is now managed by Rossi's
wife, Donatella Monforte.
• The property extends over a total of 11.5ha and is complemented with
modern cellars equipped with the latest technological advancements,
however their Brunello is aged traditionally in Slavonian oak barrels (50 and
100hl).
• Exclusively Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
• All grapes are hand-harvested, hand-selected, and hand-sorted.

Tasting Notes:
Intense, ethereal aromas melting into scents of sweet violet and iris, with hints of spices such as tobacco, cinnamon and leather. The taste is soft, warm and velvety, harmonic, rich in fruits and persistent in the mouth.

Food Pairing:
Red meats, preferably wild game; to serve, store sideways at room temperature at least 24 hours beforehand, cork two hours in advance, decant and serve in decanter.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Kerin O'Keefe:
"Eucalyptus, juniper berry, blue flower and dark spice are just some of the aromas you’ll find on the fragrant 2020 Brunello from La Gerla. Radiant and loaded with elegance, the savory palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, succulent strawberry, blood orange, licorice and a hint of mocha accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Drink 2028–2035." 

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
“In the bottle with the white label, the La Gerla 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a softly
textured expression with dark berry fruit, dried cherry and toasted spice. All the typical Brunello elements are there, yet this vintages manages a softer approach with balance and silky tannins. As the wine opens in the glass, there is a moment of blue flower or iris. This vintage offers pleasure and accessibility.” – Monica Larner (Nov 2024)

93+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“Pouring a deep and youthful red color, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is boisterous and fruity on the nose, with notes of grenadine, candied violets, pine, and hints of blue fruits shining through. Medium to full-bodied, it has good focus through the palate, with mouthwatering freshness in its notes of salty earth, also revealing ripe, angular tannins and. A very appealing Brunello with wonderful, refreshing structure, it may be even better than I'm giving credit it for from this early tasting. It's going to drink well over the coming 12-15 years.” (Jan 2025)

93 Points - Falstaff:
"Gently shimmering garnet red colour. Beguiling bouquet of pickled blueberry, forest floor, leather and grilled mushrooms. Polished on the palate, with great fruit sweetness, on tightly woven tannins and supporting acidity, harmonious and very round, right onto the long finish." (Oct 2025)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is hauntingly dark, combining tobacco and wilted violets with brown spice and black cherries to form its richly inviting bouquet. It's soothingly round and racy in style with vibrant acidity and ripe wild berry fruits that slowly saturate toward the close. Hints of sour citrus enliven the senses even as fine tannins settle in, while the 2020 finishes long and spicy but only lightly structured.” – Eric Guido (Nov 2024)

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Founded by Sergio Rossi in 1976, La Gerla has grown beyond its original holdings on the northern slope of Montalcino to include vineyards in the region’s southeast. The estate Brunello blends the two areas for a sweet yet savoury expression and it is attractively scented with wild berries, mint and a hint of leather. Mature yet vibrant fruit amply graces the palate. The surprisingly grippy tannins need a bit more time to integrate but they should grant a solid decade of endurance." - Michaela Morris (Nov 2024)

92 Points - James Suckling:
“A classic spicy Brunello focused on licorice, smoke and woodland aromas. The fruit character is a pallet of raspberries, pomegranates and black cherries. The attack is tense and firm, with chalky tannins and a medium body. It’s youthful and extracted, a bit austere in the clean, refreshing finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.” (Dec 2024)