Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago 2018 (750ml)
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Description
Castiglion del Bosco's Campo del Drago is a single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino from the 2018 vintage, sourced from a small parcel planted on Galestro soil at elevation in southwestern Tuscany. The fruit was picked in mid-October and aged in a mix of French barriques and large neutral casks, with a notable proportion of whole-cluster fermentation in the blend.
This is a more introspective Brunello than the typical profile, dark and mineral-driven rather than openly fruit-forward. Black currants and plums carry undertones of cedar and sweet spice, while the palate reveals layers of forest floor, mint, and stone that speak to the vineyard's exposed position. The wine moves with silky grace across the mouth, its ripe red and blue fruits taking on a crunchy mineral edge toward the finish, where violet and lavender florals persist. Gravelly tannins and bracing acidity give the wine backbone and length without heaviness. This is a Brunello built for age; its structure and complexity suggest it will open further over the next several years.
Expert Reviews
Facing southwest and sitting on Galestro soil at 450 metres above sea level, Campo del Drago is typically the estate’s last vineyard to be picked. In 2018, it was harvested mid-October, included about 30% whole bunches and saw its usual mix of 30% barriques and 70% large casks for ageing. It's more brooding that the classic Brunello, showing sweet spice and cedar-infused black currants and plum. Full but not rich, it's shored up by gravelly tannins and scores of acidity. The palate hints at forest undergrowth, mint and stone, though this will need a few more years to reveal all of its nuances.
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago wafts up with a compelling mix of crushed stone, savory herbs, wild strawberries and rose tones. This is elegant yet finessed in feel, with silky textures and pure, ripe red and blue fruits that take on a crunchy feel toward the close, as inner violet and lavender tones arch across the palate. Long and sapid, the 2018 finishes lightly tannic, packed full of salty minerals, and with floral perfumes that go on and on. Often dark and brooding to the extreme, I was very impressed with this 2018 Campo del Drago. There’s a beautiful balance here, but also admirable depth for the vintage. Well done.
Packaged in a heavy glass bottle, the Castiglion del Bosco 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago was born in one of the most beautiful panoramic vineyards you will ever see in Tuscany. This wine pays homage to this magical place. It delivers extra intensity and power that you most definitely perceive on all the senses. There is more fruit weight here, more black and purple berries and more soft concentration that drives a long finish. The tannins are still tight, so give the wine a few more years to integrate. Campo del Drago measures 1.5 hectares with classic galestro soils at 430 meters in elevation. Production is limited to 8,000 bottles.