“If you consider all the glorious vineyard sites in Montalcino, Campo del Drago must be one of the most beautiful. The vines sit on a flat plateau surrounded by wild forests with views that extend south all the way to the Tyrrhenian Sea and the sleepy farming town of Grosseto. The site is just spectacular, and cooling elevations reach 430 meters above sea level. The mid-weight 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago reflects the sun-drenched nature of its namesake vineyard with ripe cherry, plum cake and mild oak spice. Production is 6,000 bottles.”

“The Castiglion del Bosco project is a dream created by Massimo Ferragamo of Italy's celebrated leather and fashion family. The property includes a state-of-the-art winery and a luxury hotel. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino unfolds to reveal textbook aromas of black fruit and ripe cherry. For sure, the wine embraces a soft and contemporary personality with a good amount of fruit weight, oak spice and tannins. It registers 15% alcohol. The warm 2017 vintage brings out the softer, richer side of this Sangiovese from galestro soils.”

“The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento is dark and animalistic with musky black currants, mocha, rosemary and underbrush lifted by a hint of camphor. This is decidedly salty and mineral in character, offsetting its silky textures with tart wild berries tinged with sour citrus, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. Balsam herbs, cocoa and hints of licorice linger incredibly long over a coating of fine-grained tannins through the heroically structured finale. There’s already so much going on here, but with cellaring, I expect even more.”

“Blueberries and cherries with hints of cedar and spice, as well as plenty of mixed dried flowers, including violets. Some graphite and stone, too. Medium-to full-bodied with racy tannins and a long, long finish. It’s linear and complete, with lovely elegance and structure. Try after 2024.

“Subtle cherry, orange-peel and floral notes on the nose. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, fresh finish. Shows intensity and structure with length. Linear and fresh. Minerally. Try after 2023.”