This Brunello is an assemblage of plots in two distinct sectors: fruit from Montalcino’s warmer, southeastern reaches near Castelnuovo dell’Abate gives density and mid-palate weight with grainy, mouth-filling tannins, while the cooler, more elevated sites around the town of Montalcino itself seem to brighten and lift the whole. From start to finish, the enchanting perfumes of the vintage pervade. Juniper, cedar, pressed rose and candied mint follow through to the palate, where juicy watermelon and strawberry take hold. It finishes with an appetising bitter herbal twistm, and while this is hard to resist, another year in the bottle will bring further cohesion. (MM)

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is an understated beauty, slowly blossoming with rose petals, cedary spice and dried strawberries. It’s silky-smooth and pliant with a hint of sweet spice up front that gives way to ripe red and blue fruits all carried across a wave of silken textures. Youthful tension slowly builds as mounting tannins tug at the cheeks and a cranberry crunchiness forms, yet all the while, residual acidity maintains perfect balance. Don’t let this seductress fool you, for all of her youthful charms, the best is yet to come. (EG)

Red/garnet-tinged, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is fresh with aromas of wild Mediterranean herbs, red cherries, bergamot, and clove. Medium-bodied, it has fine tannins and fresh, mouthwatering salinity, with even acidity and a clean finish. It’s a very charming Brunello to enjoy over the next 8-10 years. (AF)