Brunello di Montalcino 2013 75cl

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino lives up to the impeccable reputation garnered by this estate over the years. This is a profound and beautifully rendered Sangiovese that delivers bold and luscious fruit quality with black cherry and spicy plum at the start. The bouquet follows through with mild oak notes of smoke, tar and toasted nut. There is another aromatic component that includes crushed stone and dried herb or mint. This Brunello shows elegant evolution in the glass and promises a very long aging future ahead. Some 200,000 bottles were made, so it should be easy to locate this excellent wine.

This red strikes a nice balance between plum and cherry fruit and beefy tannins, featuring elements of leather, tobacco, earth and iron. Balanced and long, with a gripping finish. Best from 2022 through 2035.—B.S.

A Brunello with tile and berry character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A little tight now. Better in 2019.