Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli, Tenuta Il Poggione 2015

This single-vineyard Riserva delivers a generous, abundant and determined personality. This is Brunello with a capital B. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli benefits from a warm and sun-soaked microclimate that is shielded from cold winter winds. You can taste the good health of the grapes thanks to those very direct aromas of black cherry, plum, tar, campfire ash and chalky mineral. The Paganelli vineyard is 12 hectares in size, with vines planted in 1964. The last time this wine was made was in 2012. Fruit from those old vines shape complex aromas, elegant tannins and bright freshness. Despite that handsome DNA, this is another new release from Il Poggione that will require more cellar age. I'd suggest drinking a bottle from this 40,000-bottle release after the 10-year mark.

Blackberry and blueberry aromas with black truffle and lavender that follow through to a full body with a very fine, compact palate of ripe, refined tannins. It is a lovely wine to taste now, but will be even better in a year or two. Excellence here. Drink or hold.