Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Le Potazzine 2019

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva tempts the imagination, like cracking open an ashen stone to find a bevy of exotic spices, dried herbs, lavender, wild blueberries and zests of blood orange. Silky and serene, it floods the palate with elegant textures and hints of ripe red and black fruit. It takes on graphite mineral tones toward the close as a bump of residual acidity maintains fantastic freshness. This stains the palate in residual concentration yet leaves the mouth watering for more. It is structured yet lively and fresh, with lingering notes of licorice, red plum, dark chocolate and currant. 2030-2046

Cedar, Mediterranean scrub, iris and dark spice aromas come to the forefront along with a whiff of underbrush on the radiant 2019 Brunello Riserva from Le Potazzine. Bold and full-bodied, the tense palate delivers dried cherry, cranberry, licorice and a hint of almond liqueur framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it lifted and energized. Still youthfully austere at this stage, it will benefit with several more years aging and then maintain for years. A gorgeous wine. Drink 2029–2039.