2018 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is delicate and fine with aromas of wild cherry, licorice, grilled herb and pressed violet. It brings on more power to the palate with medium-rich concentration, pretty freshness and silky tannins. The fine tannic management stands out here, as does its contained alcohol. In a vintage that sees very high alcohol levels across the board, Le Ragnaie should be congratulated on maintaining a more moderate 13.5% alcohol content. Winemaking sees cement and large oak casks. Some 29,000 bottles were made.

Savory herbs, crushed rocks, nuances of cedar and dried strawberry can all be found as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino opens in the glass. This flows effortlessly across the palate, round and supple, guided by juicy acidity, with depths of tart wild berry fruits contrasted by a pretty inner sweetness. The 2018 is built on purity, finishing incredibly fresh and only lightly tannic, as a hint of mint-laced sour cherry slowly fades. Already showing quite well, this crowd-pleaser of a Brunello will only need a short stay in the cellar to come fully into focus. Of note, all of the fruit from Riccardo Campinoti’s Fornace vineyard, in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, was used to bolster the 2018 Brunello.