The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne presents an extroverted mix of both red and blue berry fruits, complemented by notes of sweet spice, milk chocolate and plum. On the palate, silky textures play host to ripe red and black fruits, laced with savory herbs, hints of olive, and saline-minerals. The finish is long and structured, resonating on zesty acids and spice, as notes of dried cherry and dark inner florals slowly fade. To be honest, I didn’t expect such a brilliant and balanced showing on the palate, and I believe that once the Vecchie Vigne sheds some of its sweet fruit on the nose, it will show beautifully from start to finish. EG

An incredible benchmark for Brunello with great depth, length and power. Sour cherries, flowers, dried fruit and bark. Full and layered with intense, polished tannins. Tightens at the end. Goes on for minutes. Better in the future, but always great.

A light touch of oak is well-integrated with the cherry, plum and wild herb flavors in this powerful yet balanced red. A distinctive saline quality plays out on the long finish. A little less fruity than many of its peers, but no less complex. Best from 2023 through 2042. BS

The Siro Pacenti 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne remains one of the most contemporary wines to emerge from this sun-kissed appellation in southern Tuscany. You taste the richness and suppleness of its dark fruit and abundant blackberry. However, the wine also offers hints of exotic spice, savory tobacco and even a touch of talc powder or buttered popcorn that comes from the oak (it sees 24 months in French barrique). Indeed, this wine's lactic signature remains strong. This adds to the distinctively creamy, viscous and rich nature of the full-bodied mouthfeel. Fruit comes from old vines ranging from 35 to 50 years old. Stylistically, some of the intricacies of Sangiovese are sacrificed in the name of texture and density. Some 25,000 bottles were released in January 2020.

Single vineyard. Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Minty cherry nose and minty cherry fruit palate with zesty acidity. A real charmer with bags of crunchy tannins. Seems deceptively ready while gaining in complexity the longer it sits in the glass. (WS)