“A dusty blend of cedary spice, mentholated herbs, rose petals and sour cherry wafts up from the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. It’s round and supple in feel, with floral-laced red and black fruits complemented by a subtle tinge of sweet spice. This leaves a bitter twang of sour berries, while a burst of residual acidity adds a cheek-puckering freshness, and a gentle tug of tannin slowly recedes. The 2018 has improved each time I’ve tasted it in the last five months, and it now shows the ruggedness of Northwestern Montalcino Sangiovese, but in a wonderfully balanced way.”

“The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago wafts up with a compelling mix of crushed stone, savory herbs, wild strawberries and rose tones. This is elegant yet finessed in feel, with silky textures and pure, ripe red and blue fruits that take on a crunchy feel toward the close, as inner violet and lavender tones arch across the palate. Long and sapid, the 2018 finishes lightly tannic, packed full of salty minerals, and with floral perfumes that go on and on. Often dark and brooding to the extreme, I was very impressed with this 2018 Campo del Drago. There’s a beautiful balance here, but also admirable depth for the vintage. Well done.”

Lustrous ruby. Gorgeous deep nose with fantastic focus. Succulent fruit, suave and elegant but with a tad more concentration than L’America and with rich coating tannins.

“Mid to deep ruby. Perfumed, spice nose with minerally notes. Fine polished fruit that is truly fresh. Long, grainy tannins. Lush and fresh at the same time.”

“Lustrous ruby. Truly has the ‘wow-factor’ nose. Still a little tight and closed but with real purity of fruit on the nose and with an iodine hint. Pure fruit with lashings of fresh acidity and rich, long, finely grained tannins. Real elegance combined with concentration. Not ready yet.”