2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta di Argiano

Camphor, forest berry, dark spice and new leather aromas form the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and radiant, the linear, vibrant palate delivers ripe red cherry, pomegranate, ground clove and peppercorn set against a backbone of bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins.

Rose, strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors are the main themes in this red, along with wild herb, mineral and cut hay accents. Racy and full of energy, with a long, saturated finish.

A bright and fresh 2018 with cherry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium body, refined tannins and a linear finish with bright acidity. Tangy and energetic. Tight at the end. A year or two will open it, but already a beauty.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a dark and balsamic blend of black cherries, worn leather and savory herbs. This is soft-textured and supple on the palate, gaining tension through a mix of tart wild berries and nuances of sour citrus, as a hint of sage adds contrast toward the close. It finishes grippy and long, leaving a staining of primary concentration to linger, as tarry red currants and hints of graphite linger on. The 2018 is currently wrapped up tightly in its youthful state, demanding cellaring to reveal its charms.

Argiano is back on track with this excellent value 2018 Brunello. Packed with flavour, it shows the vintage well: while colour is scarce - pale garnet in hue - aromas are vivacious and enticing with spiced cherry and Mediterranean flowers bursting from the glass. Midweight and fluid, it belies the vineyards’ warm southern location. Tannins are fine and layered, with a chalky texture. While the estate did come out with its Vigna del Suolo selection, there will not be a Riserva bottling of 2018.

Pure and noble, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is compelling in its expressive layers yet remains transparent, with aromas of fresh leather, red cherry, cedar, anise, and fresh pine all intertwining. It is medium-bodied but fills out with wonderful purity in its notes of blood orange, raspberry, saline minerals, and mouthwatering acidity. It is a gorgeous wine to hold another couple of years and drink 2025-2040.

With the black label, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals dried fruit aromas with cola, grilled herb, candied orange peel and earthy clay. This is a mid-weight Brunello with silky tannins and a long finish. It displays a savory and spicy personality with hints of dried fruit and baked plum that add a fleeting point of sweetness. This is an approachable Brunello to drink over the next 10 years.

Bright red. Tobacco, hay and herbs complement the ripe red cherry and floral aromas and flavours. Taut and tannic, but with good polish and enough fruit to avoid being drying on the long classically austere finish which features repeating notes of spicy tobacco. This needs to be cellared at length for it to offer all it has to give, which is plenty.