2013 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and opulent on the nose, with a sheen of spicy oak and dusty rose tones that give way to crushed black cherries and hints of sweet lavender. Silky and enveloping, this is deeply textural, possessing cooling acidity and waves of ripe red and blue fruits, underscored by saline minerality and spice. It tapers off dramatically long, with a tinge of sour citrus and bitter clove to balance its residual tannins. The 2013 is in fine form and still integrating in bottle. Give it a few more years of cellaring to truly reap the rewards. This biggest change in Cupano's winemaking since 2013 is the addition of tonneaux in the élevage.

A rainy winter and a rainy and cool spring followed by a growing cycle that was never hot or dry. Harvest started on 23 September. ‘[2013] is known as a “classic” vintage, which nowadays stands for a “cool” vintage.’ Deep ruby with orange tinges. Fine, balsamic and peppery rather than fruity on the nose with beautifully integrated oak. Cigar box with real richness and purity of fruit underneath and no sign of tertiary aromas. Lashings of juice and fruit on the palate but beautifully contained and suave and with gorgeous, polished but firm tannins. Sensationally balanced. Tactile fireworks of tannins and juicy fruit on the finish. Stunning. (WS)

Fresh cherry nose with creamy hints. Expressive red-fruit palate with posh oak notes. Fragrant, long and only just medium bodied. Exotic perfumed fruit on the finish with plenty of tannins, but balanced. Lots of oak and yet finely integrated with the cherry fruit. (WS) (JR)