2013 - Brunello di Montalcino, Argiano

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is dark, floral and rich, with a blend of sweet tobacco, rosemary, dried citrus and pine shavings. It's soft and plush on the palate, with fleshy red fruits and citrus tones elevated by juicy acidity. Still quite youthful, this tapers off with tension, leaving a sweet and sour tinge of cherry and autumnal spice, along with suave tannins that pleasantly punctuate the close. In 2013, Argiano had already begun to move away from the oak-influenced style of the past. The 2013 matured in a combination of 30% barrique and large oak barrels. What's more, Argiano did not make a Riserva in 2013, so all of that juice was used to bolster this bottling.

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino shows laser focus and a precise delivery of aromas that makes an immediate and satisfying first impression. This is a delicately assembled wine that shows the deft hand of the winemaking team behind the scenes. Bright fruit and cherry is connected, in a careful embroidery, to spice, leather, tar and cured tobacco. There are subtle tones of ash and crushed mineral as well.

Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Pretty, sour cherry with complex undergrowth notes and hints of tobacco leaf, but the sour-cherry notes dominate. Concentrated and lively with plenty of acidity. Slightly stubborn tannins, but the whole has plenty of energy left. (WS)