The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino immediately reminds you of the austerity and brawn inherent to this important category of wine. Brunello is released five years after the harvest precisely to allow complexity to develop in the bottle. That careful evolution has transpired nicely here. The wine shows dark plum and dried blackberry in a leading role, with spice, tar, tobacco and campfire ash at the back. The tannins are present but on the soft side, and the wine weighs in with medium-rich fruit weight.

Sleek and focused, with a supple feel to the cherry, raspberry, hibiscus and chalky mineral flavors. Well-balanced, finishing with a crisp feel now that should stretch out nicely in time.

Sour and cooked cherries, oranges, milk chocolate and red licorice. Fruity and succulent with a medium to full body and creamy tannins. Ripe and velvety finish. Drink or hold.