2019 Fattoria La Magia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Owner and winemaker Fabian Schwarz only comes out with a Riserva if it doesn’t rob quality from his Brunello. Indeed, in 2019, he follows up his animated 2019 ‘annata’ and sophisticated Ciliegio bottlings with a promising Riserva. The gorgeous nose is replete with intense cherry blossom, cedar, fennel and cocoa. Pristine red cherry and pomegranate are tightly bound to finely woven tannins. Oak nuances are skillfully embedded, and everything seems to radiate from the nucleus of scintillating acidity. This should stretch out leisurely.

Certified organic (Suolo e Salute). Sumptuous deep ruby. Signature La Magia oak and fruit. Pine, eucalyptus, rosemary and bags of fresh raspberry on the nose. Balsamic, eucalyptus oak notes mingling with racy sour cherry and raspberry on the palate and pushed forward by lots of grainy tannins that still need to integrate. Very long and dramatic, yet elegant and still with youthful austerity. (WS)

Moody and intense, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens in the glass with an earthy bouquet that blends medicinal cherries with cedar shavings and confectionary rose. It's silken and pliant with a polished wave of ripe red and hints of blue fruit. A collection of fine tannins adds grip toward the close. The 2019 shuts down hard through the finish, structured and long, leaving a balsamic tinge of sour berries that add further tension.