Banfi

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

9.162 ratings
8.52 pro ratings
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Sangiovese
Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Beef, Venison, White Rice, Potato, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Pasta, Herbs, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pungent Cheese, Chicken, Salami & Prosciutto, Soft Cheese, Duck, Tomato-Based, Pork, Chili & Hot Spicy, Lamb, Turkey, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Gilbert Van Hassel

Decent lunch wine.

Decent lunch wine.

Jul 12th, 2024
Stephen Mathews

Wasn’t stored well, sadly

Wasn’t stored well, sadly

1 person found it helpfulMar 11th, 2018
John Eaton

2006 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino — 94 points

Beautifully mature yet remarkably alive at 20 years. The nose opens with tobacco, balsamic notes, dried fruit and earth, followed by dried flowers, cedar and a lovely hint of eucalyptus. Most impressive is a persistent core of fresh cherry, giving the mature wine real vitality.

The wine changed beautifully with temperature. At 57°F, it became more structured and precise, with pronounced tannins, fresh cherry, dried flowers and cedar. At 60°F, the nose was spectacular, offering the best combination of fruit, floral and tertiary complexity. By 63°F, cedar and eucalyptus became more pronounced while the palate regained roundness, the tartness integrated, and the finish became noticeably longer.

A complex, elegant and beautifully evolved Brunello that retains impressive freshness and varietal character. Ideal around 60–64°F.

2006 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino — 94 points

Beautifully mature yet remarkably alive at 20 years. The nose opens with tobacco, balsamic notes, dried fruit and earth, followed by dried flowers, cedar and a lovely hint of eucalyptus. Most impressive is a persistent core of fresh cherry, giving the mature wine real vitality.

The wine changed beautifully with temperature. At 57°F, it became more structured and precise, with pronounced tannins, fresh cherry, dried flowers and cedar. At 60°F, the nose was spectacular, offering the best combination of fruit, floral and tertiary complexity. By 63°F, cedar and eucalyptus became more pronounced while the palate regained roundness, the tartness integrated, and the finish became noticeably longer.

A complex, elegant and beautifully evolved Brunello that retains impressive freshness and varietal character. Ideal around 60–64°F.

Aug 27th, 2026
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SommCon San Diego 2018: A Retrospective on Banfi - Friday, November 16

SommCon San Diego 2018: A Retrospective on Banfi - Friday, November 16

Nov 8th, 2018
Andrew Turner

Home cellared for around 7 years. Kept perfectly. Decanted but wasn't particularly musty.

Home cellared for around 7 years. Kept perfectly. Decanted but wasn't particularly musty.

Feb 28th, 2026
Mark S.

Ample aroma, fruity, oak. Cherry, black fruits. Expecting Powerful. Tannic. 2 hours decanting is necessary. Then, Oak, aged black fruits. concentrated. Lots of spices including nutmeg clove etc. Enjoyed Chef Special reserved in his seller for 20 years. 02 @3800, Eric T, 250523

Ample aroma, fruity, oak. Cherry, black fruits. Expecting Powerful. Tannic. 2 hours decanting is necessary. Then, Oak, aged black fruits. concentrated. Lots of spices including nutmeg clove etc. Enjoyed Chef Special reserved in his seller for 20 years. 02 @3800, Eric T, 250523

May 23rd, 2025
Alexandre Czesnat

Red fruits, berries, oak smell, cigar, mediu body, high acidity

Red fruits, berries, oak smell, cigar, mediu body, high acidity

Dec 21st, 2024
John W
8.0

Not my style.

Not my style.

Nov 4th, 2023
John Beebe

Drinking at the source!

Drinking at the source!

Jun 12th, 2023
Eliot Hamerman

Drinking nice

Drinking nice

Jun 4th, 2023