2013 Brunello di Montalcino

Tasted from barrel, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola is a fine and delicate expression. The bouquet opens gracefully to show pressed violets, blanched almond, wild spice and crisp forest berry. Like most of Salvioni's wines, this newest release is all about those tiny details. All those miniature components come together to build volume and intensity as the wine settles firmly over the palate. This vintage is slightly more streamlined and thin, yet the polished intensity of the mouthfeel is satisfying and long regardless.

Maturing mid ruby with orange tinges. A little stalky/reductive with sour cherry and rose hip underneath. Gains in complexity with aeration. Complex, ripe cherry shot through by vibrant acidity. Plenty of tannins and depth. Gorgeous if embryonic and with plenty of potential. (WS) (JR)

Luminous full red. The lively, perfumed nose combines red cherry, blueberry, minerals and flinty aromas. Rich and densely packed, showing captivating peppery lift to the very ripe red and blue fruit flavors. I distinctly remember just how deceptively accessible this was when I tasted it with Alessia Salvioni in her small cellar in downtown Montalcino back in February 2017; it has continued to develop nicely since then and really showcases the depth, solid structure and length to support a long, graceful evolution in bottle. Knockout Brunello from one of the quality leaders of Montalcino (and Italy, for that matter).