The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino presents a dark and brooding display of crushed strawberry and cherry, with savory herbs and moist earth tones, as a hint of animal muskiness adds intrigue. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures are contrasted by a mix of tart red fruits, spice, and saline minerals, as hints of fine tannin settle on the senses. The finish is long and structured, with a tingling buzz of acid and minerals, as hints of dried red berries are slowly fading. I have to wonder if the fruit will hold up long enough for these tannins to fully resolve; yet to be perfectly honest, even with its austere finish, the 2015 Silvio Nardi Brunello is already very easy to like.

This has subtle aromas suggesting mature black-skinned berry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of menthol. The linear, rather austere palate offers dried Marasca cherry, espresso and licorice alongside close-grained, astringent tannins that leave a lean, drying finish. Give the tannins several years to unclench then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.