Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Italy 2018 (13.50% ABV) – 92
BB | Ruby to garnet. Intense, youthful, exuberant, red-cherry and redcurrant nose, with a complex, floral, earthy, crushed-stone character. Rich, layered, fruit-driven palate, with super-fine tannins, sweet red cherries, and a long, lively, youthful finish. One for the cellar. 96
MP | Medium ruby, with a discreet, delicate nose; floral notes of rose, hawthorn, red cherry, red plum (cooked), and cinnamon, already with some tertiary character emerging. In the mouth, this has fine, dusty tannins, and zippy but well-balanced acidity that keeps a certain energy in this wine. It's not going to develop significantly in the bottle, but is taut, complex, and delicious now. 91
AJ | Dark, clear red-black. Sappy, warm, very slightly jammy fruits; earth and twig; a touch of reduction when first poured (which clears). Gruff, lively, generous, finally complex aromas. Not quite impeccable in terms of purity, but much to enjoy. Intense, vital, earthy, and dark; soft tannins; bright and energetic. In fact, the purity is much better here than initially on the nose, so perhaps it was an issue that air swiftly resolves. This is a lively, smooth-contoured, energetic, and concentrated wine, with impressive levels of nuance—anise, currants, cranberries, oak copse, and chicory. Perhaps decant, to be on the safe side, but this will please. 89