The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino has some faded fruit that is a result of the hot vintage. The bouquet reveals earthy tones of baked clay, dried raspberry and candied cherry. This mid-weight effort is amped up with power and 15% alcohol, with savory touches of exotic spice, campfire ash and smoky teriyaki. This is a near-term Brunello for sure.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino doesn't take too long to open in the glass, and once it does, it shows a nice mix of fruit and oak spice. The fruit is delivered in simple waves of blackberry and summer cherry, and there are layers of toasted nut, baking spice, dark licorice and cola. This effort feels appropriately ripe and opulent for a sunny-vintage Brunello. In preparation for its 15% alcohol content, preheat your oven for a hearty beef Wellington. Some 13,000 bottles were rolled out.

With a mere 2,500 bottles made, the 2014 Brunello di Montalcino reveals savory aromas of spice, dried fruit and moist potting soil. Although this is a new release, the quality of the aromas is actually more evolved and aged than I would have expected. Dried cherry and blackberry confit give texture to the mouthfeel that reveals medium depth and length. Autumnal leaf and forest floor appear on the finish. I would suggest a near-term drinking window of under 10 years.

Savory and rich, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a hearty wine with a few rough edges that make it perfect as a pairing partner to grilled meats or t-bone steak. This Brunello opens to dark and rich color saturation with savory notes of cured leather, dried fruit, spice and tar. This Brunello offers soft tannins and plush richness that suggest a ten-year drinking window, but not much longer.

A broad, rich style, with dense tannins underneath the cherry, plum, leather and earth notes. Balanced, in a beefy way, with the tannins and earth accents playing out on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2028. 1,000 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add