The Poggio di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino remains a little closed, even rigid, at the moment. It can be compared to the cool 2013 and 2016 vintages that both required an extra five or six years before they started to shine. However, there's no escaping the power that remains just under the surface. You feel it budding and yearning to break free. Dark fruit aromas fold into crushed stone, grilled rosemary and blue flower. It's fun to taste this wine next to the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva because you really see how much further this vintage will require in the cellar. Both wines remain tight and nervous at this point but are full of potential.

Dusty roses, worn leather, dried strawberries and arid earth form a classic bouquet as the dynamic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is feminine yet deep and textural, with ripe plums and black cherries motivated by brisk acidity. Violet inner florals and licorice hints form toward the close. The 2019 leaves a salty mineral staining to mingle with fine-grained tannins and spice, as it finishes with incredible length, yet still so fresh. This is incredibly youthful and inward today, but the potential is off the charts. I expect the 2019 to put on some weight and blossom over the next five to ten years. Glorious.

Mid ruby. Very subdued nose that only shows hints of minerals. Elegant palate that is still firmly closed yet suave and finely balanced with gritty, yet fine, tannins. Very long, focused and exciting. (WS)