Brunello Montosoli, Le Ragnaie 2015

Dark and brooding today, the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli lifts from the glass with an alluring display of mineral-infused black cherry, complemented by hints of mint leaf, then given further depths, as dark soil tones and a hint of animal musk develops in the glass. The 2015 races across the palate with velvety textures, yet it is somehow lifted, as notes of strawberry and cedar give way to savory herbs and minerals with pretty inner florals. The finish is long, revealing a web of complex tannins upon the senses, as hints of wild berry fruit lingers with just enough residual acids to keep the expression fresh. The 2015 is just a baby today. It shows so much tension and density, with layers of unseen depth that could one day result in this being one of the best wines of the vintage.

So much black-cherry and fresh-mushroom character with chocolate undertones. Full body and round, chewy tannins. Spicy and decadent undertones. New wine. Better after 2022, when the tannins have softened.

Here is a new wine from Le Ragnaie with fruit coming exclusively from the celebrated Montosoli hill. Le Ragnaie's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli veers toward graceful tones of wild cherry, pressed blueberries and those little bluebell violets that grow deep in the forest. The aromas here are more pungent and vertical in character with cola and medicinal tones that rise directly from the top. The mouthfeel is compact and lean, with long, medium-weight staying power that leaves a precise and sharply chiseled trail of fruit flavors. This Casanovina Montosoli expression is a real treat thanks to those lingering tones of crushed mineral and smoke. These are very encouraging results. Of these new releases from Le Ragnaie, my money is on this bottle for the best cellar-aging performance. It was bottled in April 2019 and will go to market in February 2020. Some 3,500 bottles were produced.