2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino

This is a terrific wine and one of the new releases from Montalcino that I happily include on a short list of top recommendations. The Argiano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a very lively bouquet that is already singing despite the young age of this new release. The wine opens to a dark ruby color with garnet highlights. The bouquet shows a large span of wild berry, earth, licorice spice and medicinal herb aromas. This vintage also reveals a pretty floral character with dried rose potpourri and lavender buds. After fermentation, the wine is aged slowly for 30 months in large oak botte (including 10-, 30- and 50-hectoliter capacity), thus restricting oxygen and gently slowing its evolution. However, the 2015 vintage is naturally expressive and exuberant, and that`s the main takeaway here. 95+ points

Bright red. Nuanced aromas of red berries, flowers and herbs, plus a hint of iron. Flinty in the mouth too, with a loamy element further complicating red cherry and berry flavors. Closes with nice persistence and repeating floral flavors. 90 points