2018 Brunello di Montalcino

There is an earthy note here with iron ore and dusty root to start off the bouquet of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. That savory tone cedes to dark fruit, baked plum and a hint of roasted chestnut shell. This wine promotes a unique identity and a special aromatic profile in this vintage. Those earthy or metallic notes are also delivered to the palate, where the wine offers mid-weight density and dusty tannins. This is an ample production of 69,500 bottles.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from La Poderina wafts up with what I’ve come to know as their signature bouquet. Hints of camphor and crushed stone give way to nuances of lavender, violets and dried blueberries. It’s soft-textured, with a core of pure red fruits and pretty inner florals that cascade throughout. This finishes lightly structured and classically dry but also a bit short, leaving just a hint of tart blackberry to linger. I'd love to know why every vintage from La Poderina displays the same consistent aromatics. While some readers may find them appealing at first, vintage after vintage, one starts to wonder what it is exactly that imparts them into every single vintage.

Just mid ruby. Earthy and slightly stalky on the nose with green-pea and chalky hints. Perhaps this is just reductive? Very ripe fruit with lots of acidity. Does not really convince right now but might come round. (WS)