The nose strikes an acrobatic balance between floral and leathery, with aromas of roses, tar, black cherries, cloves, bitter orange and earth. The nose is more fruit-forward, with notes of cherry and currant, along with balancing undertones of licorice and dark chocolate. Dense, dusty tannins create a warm, lingering finish. (DC)

Proprietor Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini's signature is featured on the front label of the Caparzo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is steady and firm with black fruit, spice, cured tobacco and grilled herb. You get nice concentration and plush tannins in this wine. In a nod to the winemaking team, it also shows a more relatable 13.5% alcohol content. This is good choice from your local restaurant wine list. (ML)

minerals and sweet spices mingle toward the close. This finishes potent and long with a staining of fine tannins while maintaining a lovely freshness. The 2018 may not be built for the long term, but I expect that it will overdeliver for years to come. (EG)