2020 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino

97 points Luca Gardini: "Classic-style label, great elegance and a hint of (precious) austerity coming from the north-western quadrant of the appellation, with notes of marasca on the nose, hints of cloves and sprinkles of bloody orange peel, the palate is salty. Closed by citrus and spicy memories. (Oct 2024)"

96 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Black plums, blackberries, sandalwood, dark chocolate, sage, bay leaves, juniper berries, black pepper, bergamot, incense, cumin, camphor, cloves and nutmeg. Decidedly spicy and with dark features, it shows sensorial smoothness, profound identity and a finish of great pressing but genuine and tasty progression. Better from 2027. (Oct 2024)"

94 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "[$90 list] Balsamic-tinged black cherries and plums combine with minty herbs and hints of undergrowth as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known in the glass. It possesses a balanced inner sweetness, deep mineral aromas and silken textures that create a seductive impression. It finishes with tremendous length and potency, leaving nuances of licorice and spiced citrus. Edgy tannins resonate yet don't get in the way of the 2020s' giving personality. Drink: 2026-2036. (Nov 2024)"

94 points James Suckling: "A fresh and crunchy red with plums and berries, as well as some orange peel. It’s medium-bodied, firm and crisp with good balance. I like the way it’s not trying to do too much. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two. (9/30/24)"

Sassetti Livio is a historic, family-run estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, with roots stretching back more than a century. Four generations of the Sassetti family have farmed vineyards here, and in 1967, Livio Sassetti was among the founders of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, helping define quality standards for the region’s signature wine as the DOCG system was formalized. In the late 1970s, he acquired Podere Pertimali, a vineyard on the Montosoli hill — one of the appellation’s most respected cru sites — and since then, the family has expanded and renewed its holdings while maintaining a focus on hand-harvested fruit and sustainable farming. Today, Lorenzo Sassetti, Livio’s son, leads winemaking with his wife, Sabina, blending tradition with measured modern practices to express both site and Sangiovese purity.