Pretty aromas of blue flowers and wild berries mix with new leather and botanical herbs. On the linear, already approachable palate, fine-grained, polished tannins accompany juicy Morello cherry, star anise, crushed mint and mocha. Drink through 2027.

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is hauntingly dark and floral, pulling you close with an alluring mix of black cherries, sour citrus and mentholated herbs. It impresses further with soft textures and fleshy red fruits that are nicely contrasted by a salty core of minerality. This loses a bit of concentration through the midpalate, but it finishes structured, persistent, yet fresh, with hints of inner violet and licorice tones. The 2017 is a fine effort in a difficult vintage.