Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Italy 2018 (14% ABV) – 94.7
BB | Garnet to pink. Intense, complex, herbal and red-fruits nose, with a floral, refined, transparent character. Medium to full body, with sweet red fruit, refined, layered tannins, good length, and red cherries and citrus fruits to finish. Youthful and inviting. 94
MP | Obvious nose, combining simple red fruits—tinned strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, red cherry—with barrel-maturation notes of clove, cinnamon, and licorice. On the palate, these knit convincingly and the sculpted tannins and supporting acidity work in harmony to drive a convincing finish. Although already starting to provide real pleasure, this unquestionably has a rosy future ahead of it as these components increase in intrigue. 96
AJ | Clear deep red. Another beautifully fragrant, aromatically graceful wine, and with more sap and freshness to it than for many of its peers. Leather and suede; indeed, how I imagine parchment to smell (both fresh and amply aged simultaneously), but also some acorn and twig. Refined cherry fruits, too. I could sniff this all evening: very fine aromas. Deep, sappy, structured, long, and energetic; multi-layered flavors, built on that dark, confit-cherry core; lots of fine detail. Commanding and assured wine, which can take as much scrutiny as you care to give it. Excellent wealth of tannin, too, which will carry it forward. 94