2015 Cortonesi Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella

The nose is rich and spicy, reminding me of autumnal confections, as notes of clove, cinnamon, and brown sugar give way to strawberries and ripe apple. Soft textures are offset by fresh red fruits, sweet spice, and inner floral tones, with tannins that mount slowly towards the finale. The finish is long and structured, resonating on a staining of red fruits, yet energized through lingering acidity.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Balsamic nose that takes its time to open up. At first quite a sweet palate, before the tangy fruit comes out. Concentrated and powerful finish without going over the top. Could do with more time in bottle. (WS)

The Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella comes from a vineyard site located not too far from Montosoli, at the foot of the hill where the town of Montalcino stands tall. The soils at this site see a mix of clay and flysch. It offers slightly contained aromas at first that open to reveal dark berry fruit, rose petal and crushed stone. This wine remains direct and accessible with a medium-weight approach backed by fine and structured tannins. Some 25,000 bottles were made, and this Brunello hit the market in January 2020.