Like cracking open an ashen stone only to find a bevy of dried flowers, curry leaves, cloves and currants, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione makes itself known. This gracefully races across the palate with ripe textural fruits and sweet spices, all energized by a core of juicy acidity. Silky tannins frame the long and classically dry finale, as nuances of salted licorice and medicinal cherry echo on and on. There’s such inner beauty and vibrancy here, yet patience will be required to enjoy the 2018 Piaggione to its full effect. 93 points