2015 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2015 Le Chiuse Brunello is layered with black cherry, leather, sage, and forest floor. The palate is full-bodied and fruit-forward, with fresh fig, tomato leaf, warming amaro spice, and dark-mineral earth. Its structure is generous with ripe tannin and fresh acidity and does not feel weighed down by the warmth of the vintage. Another incredible, classic, and savory wine from the Le Chiuse estate worthy of enjoyment over many years. 2023-2040. Le Chiuse is a small 6-hectare estate that was split off from the Biondi-Santi estate in 1993, when it was inherited by Simonetta Valiani, the great granddaughter of Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, who owns the property today. Le Chiuse is a certified organic estate.

Deep red. Initially closed nose opens slowly to showcase damp earth, black cherry, flint, sweet spices and camphor. Enters juicy and vibrant, with flavors of dark plum and cherry with a steely and floral overlay, then turns more austere and elegant with a persistent red and blue fruit set of flavors. Finishes long and balsamic. Really pure and intense but lively, this outstanding wine really speaks of the style of Le Chiuse, always on the refined side. Should also prove very age-worthy. (ID)

Tasted blind. Lustrous ruby. Cherry fruit of great depth. Concentrated but contained. Not a huge amount of acidity and with a generous fruit finish, but still in an embryonic state. You just sense there is much more to come. (WS)