Darkly alluring, the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino emerges with an earthy blend of crushed blackberries, grilled herbs and smoky, ashen stones. This displays textures of pure silk and a core of ripe wild berries complicated by flinty mineral tones, rosemary and hints of blood orange, all guided by brilliant acidity. The 2020 finishes with dramatic length and classical structure, leaving a spicy sensation and lingering nuances of red plum. Castiglion del Bosco has captured a remarkable depth and concentration here that's atypical of the vintage.

Black tea mixes with wilted violets, blood orange and dried strawberries as the layered and complex 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento blossoms in the glass. This is a model of elegance, silken and seamless yet lifted and spry. Mineral-drenched red berry fruits and hints of citrus swirl beneath an air of violet inner florals. The finish is spicy and long with sweet tannins and a sensation of liquid stone. Echoes of lavender slowly fade.

Fruit-forward with a combination of blue fruit and red-fruit jam that follows through to a medium body with medium, round tannins and a fruity finish. Polished. Drink or hold.

“The nose is nostalgic and lightly sweet, with aromas of vanilla, cloves, cardamom and cherry, along with faint undertones of dried tomatoes and balsamic. On the palate, the cherries star, while fighting back ferocious tannins and piercing acid.”

The nose starts floral, with aromas of roses, vanilla and cherry, then turns earthy, before spiced undertones of cloves and bergamot float to the surface. The cherries return on the palate, with more bitter citrus and earth tones, while finely grained tannins tickle the back of your tongue.