2019 Le Chiuse, Brunello di Montalcino

The organic Le Chiuse 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is shy to open and will require more time in your cellar before it hits its optimal drinking window. In its current stage, it shows dark fruit, smoky asphalt and wet stone. The initial impact is one of soothing darkness and aromatic concentration; however, the wine lightens up considerably on the palate with fresh acidity and fine tannins. This is a classic case of a Brunello that just needs more time to flesh out. Given its traditional and elegant personality today, it will improve tomorrow. Le Chiuse made 21,800 bottles this year.

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is just a baby today, youthfully coiled and understated, with dusty dried flowers and nuanced violet pastille complementing wild strawberries and autumnal spice. It sweeps across the palate, lifted and refined, with a core of vividly ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as vibrant acidity maintains balance despite gripping tannins that mount toward the close. This leaves a coating primary concentration as it finishes structured and long yet remarkably pure, ending with lingering licorice hints. Breathtaking.

Certified organic by Valoritalia. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Very youthful and lifted on the nose with bags of minerals. Elegant as well as generous and superbly balanced on the palate. Pure, long and complex and still embryonic. (WS)

Heady, perfumed, intense nose with layered, luscious fruits and a touch of bordeaux-type cigar tobacco. Lovely crunch. Lighter mode of Brunello, which makes this approachable now. (RH)