This has a distinctive and aromatic nose with herbal aromas alongside red cherries and black bramble fruit. The palate is so juicy with such life and an almost sweet touch to the acidity. It tastes youthful and brimming with fervent energy - alive in the best possible way. Tannins are well integrated and the texture overall is smooth and refined. 30 months in 25hl and 40hl traditional Slavonian oak casks, followed by 18 months ageing in bottle. (GH)

Carlo Ferrini's Giodo 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is plush and softly layered, and the wine has plenty of fiber and cherry to absorb the power that comes naturally to this vintage. This is Carlo's seventh leaf (or vintage) of Brunello from his family-run estate, and it's nice to reflect on the consistency of style and quality achieved since this new venture emerged. Giodo has the advantage of coming onto the scene when international regard and understanding for Brunello was highest (think back to the excellent 2010 vintage). Carlo has not disappointed. He brings us a modern, forward-thinking wine that is rooted in local Tuscan winemaking tradition (just think, one of his first stints was at Soldera Case Basse years ago). This vintage brings home that signature Giodo personality with black cherry, dark fruit and elegant earthy end notes. At about 18-years-old now, his vines are entering an interesting chapter of their lifespan, and we can expect more great results from this estate. Production for this wine is 12,000 bottles. (ML)

Lustrous mid ruby. Complex, deep red-fruit nose with hints of what looks like oak, although apparently there isn't any. Very sleek. Great concentration of suave, juicy, red fruit with a layer of fine tannins on the palate. A very skilful interpretation of this challenging year. 17/20 points (WS)