Packaged in its distinctive blue label, the Brancaia 2017 Il Blu is a blend of mostly Merlot, Sangiovese and a smaller percent of Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers power, structure and firmness spread out over a medium to full-bodied frame. The wine exhibits a dark and concentrated color and opens to rich aromas of dried cherry, blackberry, tilled earth, candied orange and iron ore. Indeed, the wine's friendly complexity far exceeds any basic expectations here despite the challenges of the vintage.