Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JD 95] [WA 95] [JS 95] [WS 93] [DM 93] [VM 93]

About the Winery:
Mastrojanni lies in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the south easternmost corner of Montalcino. This is an area with a strong winemaking tradition and the homeland of Brunello. The inactive Mount Amiata lends great character to the Sangiovese growing in this estate, as the soils are rich in gravel, clay, limestone and sandstone. The estate, founded in 1975, stretches over 90 hectares, 25 of which for vines, 14 for Brunello, with vineyards from 8 to 41 years old. The altitude of the vineyards varies from 620 to 1340 feet high. The Illy family (of the famed coffee house) bought the property in 2008 and brought in famed consulting enologist Maurizio Castelli.

At Mastrojanni, production is based on non-invasive practices and herbicides have never been used. In addition, since November 2022, no chemical products have been applied.

About this Wine:
The grapes, hand-harvested and carefully selected, are gently pressed and transferred into brushed and resined concrete vats for gravity flow. maceration: on the skins for a minimum of 25 days. Aged 36 months in Allier, Vosges, Slavonia, Black Forest and Styria oak barrels (16-54 hl), followed by at least 6 months in bottle.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A medium red hue introduces the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino, which opens with toasted cedar, licorice, red cherries, pressed flowers, rosemary, and polished leather. The palate is medium-bodied and zesty, with pure, ripe red fruit, ripe tannins, and refreshing acidity that keeps it energetic and focused through the finish. It should drink at its best over the next 15-20 years. Drink 2026-2046." - Audrey Frick (Feb 2026)

95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"Complex and shapely, the Mastrojanni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fluid contours that evolve with each swirl of the glass before settling into notes of cassis, dark cherry, spice, grenadine and grilled watermelon. The palate carries energy and brightness over a medium-to full-bodied frame, finishing with a subtle mineral saltiness that adds lift and definition. This classic village expression draws fruit from 14.4 hectares across varied soils, exposures and elevations, resulting in a balanced and expressive wine that remains very much in evolution." – Monica Larner (Jan 2026)

95 Points - James Suckling: 
"Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and crushed stones, Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. There’s almost a sandy, terra cotta character in the finish. Lovely balance. Drink or hold." (Dec 2025)

93 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"Black cherry, plum, earth, iron and wild herb flavors mark this supple red. Balanced and long on the finish, with refined tannins and a light, tactile feel. This feels approachable now yet should improve over the next two to three years. Best from 2027 through 2040." – Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2026)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
"Intense balsamic aromas of sage and mint dusted with cocoa lead. The palate is smooth, polished and sleek without lacking structure. Those sandy tannins feel expertly placed. Sweet herbs and sun-baked stone accent the luxuriant red berries. Long in satisfying flavours and harmonious in all its elements but worth waiting another year. Among recent changes – like Francesco Illy buying out his siblings and converting to organic and biodynamic viticulture – Mastrojanni has a new winemaker as of 2022. The young Giulia Härri, who also oversees production at her family estate Claudia Ferrero, took charge when this was already in barrel." – Michaela Morris (Nov 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media: 
"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass with a burst of crushed ashen stone and sage, giving way to mulling spice and dried black cherries. It envelops the palate with silken textures and masses of ripe dark red fruits, soothing, polished and balanced in feel. Edgy tannins mingle with a subtle citrus twang as rosy inner florals resonate through the dramatically long, youthfully structured finale. The balance here is beyond reproach. Mastrojanni blended in the juice from the Vigna Schiena d'Asino to bolster this bottling." – Eric Guido (Nov 2025)