2019 Sesti, Brunello di Montalcino

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino pulls the taster close to the glass with an array of chalk dust and grilled sage, giving way to crushed wild berries and hints of split pine. This is surprisingly soft and supple, with juicy textures and ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout. Its tannins come through in the finish, combined with a burst of residual acidity to balance as the 2019 tapers off long, lightly structured and with a pleasantly bitter tinge. This may not be a Brunello for the ages, but it is going to make Sesti fans very happy over a long and broad drinking window.

Lustrous ruby. A simply stunning, complex nose of taut cherry layered with garden herbs. Lots of juice that is fantastically balanced by gorgeous, fine-grained tannins. Complete. (WS)