Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Poggio alle Mura 2019

Black-cherry, ash, bark and dried dark-mushroom aromas follow through to a medium to full body with a solid sense of tannin and acidity. Polished and focused. Needs time to soften a bit, but shows fascinating oyster-shell and iodine undertones. Best in three or four years.

Full of bright cherry and raspberry flavors, this round red delivers a lot of immediate appeal, yet also boasts a solid layer of supportive tannins. Wild herb, iron and tobacco accents chime in on the extended finish, showing terrific balance and finesse. Best from 2027 through 2042.

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura smolders up from the glass with a dark blend of grilled herbs and ashen stones enshrouding crushed wild berries. It washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe red and blue fruits, guided by juicy acidity. Dark chocolate and autumnal spice amass toward the close. The Poggio alle Mura nishes structured and dry, leaving a chewy wood tannin concentration and a bitter tinge that curls the tongue. There is real potential here, yet it will be many years before these hulking tannins mellow.