Not to take anything away from Romitorio’s affable estate Brunello, but the 2019 Filo di Seta plumbs greater depths. It hails from a single plot located at 250 metres on limestone-rich schistous clay. Delineated aromas of eucalyptus, tobacco, dark melted chocolate and brambly berries deliver a seductive overture. The palate follows through with lovely fruit clarity, bringing in pressed florals and a mineral-like, energetic sensation of crystallised rocks. Amply weighted and gracious, its layers of polished tannins and generous concentration grant plenty of confidence for long ageing. (MM)

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta tempts the imagination with a burst of mentholated herbs that give way to sweet violet florals, crushed blackberries and mint. This is deeply textural, nearly creamy in feel, with a core of vibrant acidity to balance as a wave of ripe red and traces of blue fruit flood the palate. Its minerality comes through the finish, mingling with edgy tannins, tart cranberry and orange, yet the mouth is left watering for more. This truly seductive rendition of Filo di Seta will surely win many hearts. While more accessible out of the gate, in the context of how austere it can often be, the balance here guarantees a long and beautiful evolution over time. 96+(EG)

A saturated magenta hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Filo Di Seta is generous with a floral and ripe perfume of blackberry preserve, tarry earth, violets, and eucalyptus. Approachable and juicy up front, this full-bodied Brunello reveals plush tannins and a ripe mid-palate as well as good length on the finish. It’s a robust wine though, offering a lot of immediate pleasure, and it should have a wide drinking window over the coming 10-12 years. (AF)