2017 Brunello di Montalcino

With Fioretti’s embargo on critics scoring the wine, few have been able to taste the 2017 – but we were lucky enough to do so. With the very dry growing season, the vintage was an opportunity for the most sensitive and gifted vignerons to prove their mettle, as is certainly the case with this captivating Brunello from Matthew Fioretti. The 2017 Cerbaiona is beautifully balanced. It has a bright ruby red colour and lovely depth on the nose, with notes of undergrowth, red berry fruit and plum, as well as hints of balsamic, herbs and spice. On the palate, it is brightly fruity, rich and intense, with additional layers of dark chocolate, violets and a spicy hint of cinnamon, supported by splendid freshness and fine but agile tannins. There is a very satisfying, iron, mineral note and woody nuance to the juicy, refined and long finish.