Ripe berry and dried orange peel character follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. A more fruit-forward style for this estate. Better in 2019.

Plump and bursting with cherry, strawberry and mineral aromas and flavors, this racy red evokes harmony and freshness, with hints of spice, chocolate and tobacco as it plays out gracefully on the long aftertaste. There's structure here, with all the components integrated. Best from 2020 through 2035. 2,870 cases made. (BS)

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a showstopper, opening with a stunning bouquet of sour cherry, spiced citrus and clove complicated by traces of worn leather. This is silky and supple, showing ripe red fruit and mineral tones. It slowly gains tension toward the close but remains energized by zesty acidity all the way through. Finishing saline and long, with adolescent tannins that still grip the palate, the 2013 tapers off remarkably fresh, leaving hints of cranberry and licorice. This is on the verge of entering its drinking window, with many years of positive evolution in store for patient collectors.

Vivid medium-dark red. Hints at black and red fruits on the delicate, refined nose, complicated by nuances of violet and flint. Then smooth and suave in the mouth, with outstanding breadth to the blueberry, sour red cherry, potpourri and floral flavors. Penetrating minerality contributes to the lasting impression of precision and verve. The noble, mouth-coating tannins provide backbone and noteworthy aging potential to this extremely elegant, pure, dense wine. One of the top eight or so Brunellos of the 2013 vintage.

Canalicchio di Sopra's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is tight and firm at its core, with qualities that bode very well for its aging potential. That compact core is surrounded by many thick layers of dark fruit and spice that are expressive and expansive. Those outer layers give the wine softness and some immediate accessibility, even at this early stage in its life. All summed up, this is a very complete and characteristic Brunello that offers stunning quality for medium or long-term drinking.

Lustrous mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Brooding and a little rich, taking its time to open up. Tobacco leaf and cherry slowly emerging from the glass. Mouth-filling without being heavy and charged with energetic tannins. Intense, tannic and long. (WS)

Dark crimson. Fresh, with fine impact. Pure fruit dominates and it's very well balanced even without the obvious Sangiovese transparency. Very dry end. Appetising. (JR)