Set in marley clay soil with southeastern exposure, Cerbaiona produces elegant, widely recognized wines. The Brunello di Montalcino is complex and firmly structured offering a distinctive, lasting impression of the Sangiovese character.  

The Cerbaiona estate was established with the 1981 vintage by former pilot Diego Molinari, and from 1982 onwards they have performed flawlessly. Daniel Thomases, the senior critic of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, rates the estate as closest to Case Basse di Soldera, the most expensive and sought after Brunello on the market. Like Soldera, the wines are aged in the "old style" with Slavonian tonneaux as opposed to the fashionable French barriques. The "Commander," as this pilot is commonly called, creates a consistent style of pure elegance backed with power. These impeccably crafted Brunellos are an IWM favorite.

The Cerbaiona Brunello is characteristically very distinguished and pure. Even in an average vintage such as 1996, the wine exemplifies good concentration and complexity. Molinari’s 1999 vintage acquired worldwide recognition for receiving Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri award. Furthermore, the 2001 Cerbaiona is among the highlights of this fantastic vintage in a more approachable fashion.

Depending on the vintage, a typical Cerbaiona Brunello can be described as intense ruby in color with brilliant hues adding more dimension. The palate shows very ripe red fruit with spice and minerals, full body and firm flavors. Fleshy, concentrated fruit and well-evolved tannins glide into a long, delicious finish.