Il Palazzone, or "The Big Palace" is a small estate that has been producing wine for over ten years. While the estate is roughly 20 acres, the land authorized for the production of Brunello di Montalcino is a mere 10 acres. Obviously, a property of these dimensions creates a tightly controlled environment which is determined by its owner. A New Yorker and a wine lover, not necessarily in that order, the proud owner takes an enormous interest in the vineyard despite the time constrains imposed by his day job as a business man. He is personally present at harvest time and all other key moments of the wines development. No care is spared in the entire vinification process, which end result is approximately 10 – 12,000 bottles each year.

Located on the western side of Montalcino, the estate is quite high in terms of altitude - roughly 480 meters above sea level. This altitude ensures excellent ventilation which is salutary for grapes, as it reduces mold production to a bare minimum. The constant action of the wind combined with the characteristics of the soil on the western side of Montalcino reinforce the character of the elegant wines produced by the estate. The vines themselves are over twenty years old and have therefore grown long root systems making them more resilient during periods of drought. These deep roots are able to reach minerals and components that are not present in the top soils and enrich the taste and aromas of the wines. Il Palazzone follows all the EEC regulations regarding only organic intervention in the vineyard.

Working with famed oeneologist, Paolo Vagaggini, various dimensions of oak barrels are used in the production Il Palazzone. The wine is transferred from large botte to tonneaux in order to create a harmonious balance between the fruit of the grapes and the tertiary aromas of the aging process.

Traditional aging times for Brunello are respected and the wine receives three or more years in wood instead of the two years specified by the DOCG regulation. Il Palazzone wines are created with a long bottle aging period in mind - promising to mature and improve over the years. Most Brunello estates release their products in January of the fifth year after the harvest, but Il Palazzone waits to release the vintage for six to eight months after that, with a part set aside in exceptional vintages for an additional year for the production of the prestigious Riserva. Richard and Paolo work closely to create a classic expression of the grape producing a beautiful and traditional wine that Il Palazzone has become known for.

Il Palazzone's Brunello di Montalcino is characterized by a deep ruby color with garnet hues. Bursts of cherry, ripe plum and hints of bay leaf are balanced with overtones of chocolate, spices and licorice. The wines have a light tannic structure and a long silky finish.