Dried dark cherry, worn leather, crunchy black raspberry. Wild strawberry, forest floor, dark plum skin. Terrifically tense yet expressive bursts of dehydrated boysenberry, black currant, and pomegranate husk highlight a remarkably complex and layered attacked awash with intriguing impressions of oregano, cedar, and potpourri. Pronounced suggestions of bay leaf, basil, and thyme continue the theme of well integrated herbal charm aided by a bevy of organic and natural notes including pine needle, tobacco leaf, and morel mushroom. Wafts of fresh violet, lavender, and rose petal emerge in an impressively lifted floral display that rises above hints of turned earth, rust, damp cellar, and calcareous rock. Surprisingly aromatic and clean on the nose while remaining stern, serious, and downright striking on the palate; exhibiting a wonderful mix of fresh yet developing characteristics that come across as classic yet intriguingly rugged. Medium plus in body with powerful tannin carried by high acidity. This 2015 Brunello di Montalcino by Tenuta Poggio il Castellare is an alluringly authentic and attention-grabbing red from Tuscany.

Located in the picturesque hills of Italian region of Tuscany, the ancient town of Montalcino is home to some of Italy's greatest and most revered terroir for the legendary Sangiovese grape. This bottling, crafted by Tenuta Poggio il Castellare using Sangiovese grown at their scenic estate in Montalcino, wonderfully captures the depth and complexity that has elevated the wines of Brunello di Montalcino to worldwide fame. This wine leaps from the glass with bursts of enticing aromatics led by a combination of black and red fruits, dried herbs, iron-rich earth, flowers, and a gorgeous leathery note. It is delightfully muscular and rugged while remaining simultaneous elegant and pretty, and is already drinking exceptionally well at this stage. Very impressive.