Have had a few high end tuscans in the last few months and all have been disappointing: Soldera, Stella di Campalto BdM Riserva, Poggio Di Sotto BdM. Those are estates that normally really hit the sweet spot for me so it’s really a vintage specific issue. Too young? Overhyped vintage? Bad luck? Curious to hear other people’s perspective?
A lot of what Ive heard about 2015 Brunello was it was hot.
Yes, me too. But that’s not what I’ve experienced when tasting the wines, hence my question 
Well, how have they been disappointing to you? That might help answer the question as to whether it’s a dumb-phase thing or a vintage issue?
I skipped a lot of the '15s because I found a lot of the wines (especially the “higher-tier” wines in a lineup) to be riper and boozier than I’d prefer. (Ironically, I loved a lot of the entry level bottles that I tasted…) They all certainly had plenty of structure, too. I also notice you’re only talking about Brunello producers–do you have the same experience with wines from Chianti?
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Good challenge. Soldera and Poggio Di Sotto are, basically, never dull. There’s lift, there’s texture, there’s fruit and raisin, with a structure that’s there but barely noticeable. With 2015, I found both of those just dull and very introverted/slightly overweight versions of their usual selves - this surprised me given how highly regarded the vintage is.
I brought the 2015 Poggio di Sotto to the Alinea popup in Las Vegas in April of this year. It was, as described above, hotter and boozier than expected. My take away was that it still needs some time. By the way, Thomas, the moment that Poggio shows raisin notes, I’m selling my bottles. Poggio should be elegant, not over-ripe.
Not much I can add here. I bought a mix of lower level Brunellos as it is an area that I hadn’t really explored and wanted to see if it was worth the upcharge over Chianti for me. In general I found the 2015s much less interesting than the 2016s. While I reloaded on some 2016 Val di Suga I haven’t found a single 2015 that made me want to hunt it down. I am drinking those 2015s that remain and sitting on the remaining 2016s that I feel will age much better.
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Based on your description, I’m guessing that you’re probably seeing the effects of the year+a bit of a dumb phase. Sounds like the wine is shut down, but in this case there’s just enough fruit that the wines feel plodding rather than just ornery. That said, I dpn’t know if they’ll ever be the most elegant vintage for any of those wines, but I think time probably brings them around to something a lot closer to what you’re after.
I’ve had a couple of 2015s every year since release. In the last year or so the more modestly priced bottles I’ve had (Uccelliera, Altesino) seem to be performing well, but the Biondi Santi I had seemed under potential and too young.
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I agree.
We’ve had the base 2015 La Fornace and MastroJanni and both performed admirably.
Both were much better than the 2016 Castiglion del Bosco.
15 sass was pretty good but young
Anyone have the constanti? I have a few in 375 (not shipped yet).
Here are a few notes for wines I liked from 2015:
2015 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT (6/26/2026)
Very dark. Great approachable nose, red cherry, cassis, forest floor and herbs. Delicious textured cherry and Tuscan spice flavours. The oak is in the background here and the finish is long grippy and balanced.
Ready to go for me but there is certainly a lot to look forward to. (94 points)
2015 Rocca di Montegrossi Geremia Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (10/3/2025)
Clear dark red. Very fresh for a decade old Bordeaux blend. Lots of sour cherry, red flowers and fresh forest smells. Lovely crunchy red fruit flavours and more acid than tannins in the finish.
This seemed a bit simple in a Super Tuscan tasting that included Ornellaia, Sassicaia and Solaia and others all over 20 years old. (92 points)
2015 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (3/24/2023)
Like meeting an old friend I had lost touch with. This is my favourite BdM, but I hadn’t had one since the 2006. I knew Nello Baricci had passed and now the critics were taking notice, would the wine still be something I would love?
The first set back was it was $155 for the 2014 on the restaurant’s list, but my research showed the price was fair. The second was when the wine came to the table it was the 2015. I would have preferred the 2014 because I love the vintage for its early drinking wines. As soon as I stuck my nose in the decanter I knew it would be fine.
Medium dark red. Earthy ripe cherry, plum, herb and leather nose with even a bit of dried orange peel. Delicious cherry and spice flavours and a long bright, tannic finish.
I noticed the bottom of my Baricci note was missing. I scored the wine 94 points. I have 44 notes on 2015 Tuscan wines. I think the wines are very good, much better than the 2007s I think.
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Not much Sangiovese going on here, but I posted recently a report on 2015 Merlots.
Wasn’t a fan.