2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago

The Val di Suga 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago draws its fruit from a low-lying vineyard site (at 300 meters in elevation) next to a big water reservoir. The heat of the summer sun permeates these vines, and you can feel that intensity in the wine's medium-dark appearance and its ripe fruit flavors. This release of 8,000 bottles offers an attractive level of ripeness and balanced dark fruit.

The 2015 Vigna del Lago is remarkably pretty, feminine and understated, displaying crushed strawberries, green stems and all, along with dried roses and hints of dusty earth. On the palate, silky textures seem to hover across the senses, hosting ripe black cherry laced with violet florals and sweet spice, all framed by juicy acids. The finish is medium in length, incredibly fresh and focused on primary fruit with a red licorice twang, yet only a hint of tannin is tugging at the senses. I don’t see this as a Brunello for the ages, but it will certainly give a lot of pleasure over the next five to ten years.

Single vineyard. Tasted blind. Lustrous ruby. Minerally, dark fruit that is still a little closed. Great definition of sour and dark cherry on the palate. Great balance between concentrated fruit, lively acidity and polished, long tannins. (WS)