The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino vintage has yielded mixed results, according to Andrew Jefford. Following the remarkable success of the 2019 vintage, which garnered some of the highest scores ever recorded by a tasting panel, the 2020 wines do not meet the same standards. The year was heavily influenced by the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, as vineyard work was conducted with unprecedented focus and minimal external distractions.
The vintage saw a mix of favorable and challenging weather throughout the growing season. Early months of 2020 were warm, followed by significant rainfall in June, which imposed mildew pressures on the vines. A hot and dry July was succeeded by erratic weather patterns in August and a wet September, necessitating careful decisions about harvest timing. This erratic climate ultimately impacted wine quality, with nature taking the reins over human effort.
A tasting of the 2020 vintage revealed significant variability in wine quality. Reviews varied widely, with some tasters, like Bruno Besa and Michael Palij, identifying numerous high-scoring wines, while others, including Anthony Rose, found far fewer outstanding examples. Palij described the wines as having opulent characteristics, suitable for early drinking, while Rose noted a troubling inconsistency likely due to the harvest conditions following the rain.
Overall, while some experts indicate that there are enjoyable wines from 2020, others recommend focusing on the exceptional vintages of 2019 and the upcoming 2021 wines, which are anticipated to offer better quality. For those interested in Brunello di Montalcino, evaluating the diverse offerings of 2020 may still provide a few gems, but caution is advised in making selections.