Bold, ripe aromas of raspberries, black cherries, oak bark and black pepper. On the palate the acidity carries the finish of blood orange and cherry notes, with chalky yet ripe tannins and a full body. Longer finish than expected. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has dried spice over dark fruit and hints of campfire ash. The wine is smooth and velvety in terms of texture with fine, chalky tannins and a drying sensation on the close. Only 5,800 bottles were made. All of these new releases show a high 15% alcohol content, but perhaps you feel the heat most in this Riserva.

Cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, menthol and iron flavors mingle with dense, dusty tannins in this intense red. There's plenty of fruit at the center, but it's locked in a strong embrace of tannins today. Be patient.

Smells incredible, like a box of fragrant chocolates, profound florality on the nose, so scented and expressive. Thick and juicy, full, and so vibrant, wow, really expands and enlivens in the glass. Such high, almost piercing acidity before the chalky, slightly grippy mineral tannins come into play, covering the entire mouth in a mineral coating. Some salinity, iodine notes countering the bright, almost sour cherries. Bright, forward, so intense, yet so fresh too. Lifted and juicy, with such zing and bite and overall precision. I love this. Great structure, character and confidence and will last for decades such is the tannic make up and the acidic backbone.