In the bottle with the white label, the La Gerla 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a softly textured expression with dark berry fruit, dried cherry and toasted spice. All the typical Brunello elements are there, yet this vintages manages a softer approach with balance and silky tannins. As the wine opens in the glass, there is a moment of blue flower or iris. This vintage offers pleasure and accessibility. (ML)

Pouring a deep and youthful red color, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is boisterous and fruity on the nose, with notes of grenadine, candied violets, pine, and hints of blue fruits shining through. Medium to full-bodied, it has good focus through the palate, with mouthwatering freshness in its notes of salty earth, also revealing ripe, angular tannins and good length. A very appealing Brunello with wonderful, refreshing structure, it may be even better than I'm giving credit it for from this early tasting. It's going to drink well over the coming 12-15 years. (AF) 93+

Founded by Sergio Rossi in 1976, La Gerla has grown beyond its original holdings on the northern slope of Montalcino to include vineyards in the region’s southeast. The estate Brunello blends the two areas for a sweet yet savoury expression and it is attractively scented with wild berries, mint and a hint of leather. Mature yet vibrant fruit amply graces the palate. The surprisingly grippy tannins need a bit more time to integrate but they should grant a solid decade of endurance. (MM)