The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass to offer a dark yet perfumed display of dusty dried roses, giving way to nuances of cherry and lavender. This is a savory yet polished effort, with velvety waves washing across a medium-bodied frame, along with densely packed red and black fruits that evolve into purple-tinged inner florals, and exotic spices that last well through the finale. The tannins are sweet and rounded and, while structured, the expression remains remarkably fresh, leaving behind a lasting nuance of violet candies. This is a wonderfully pretty and delicate interpretation of the 2017 vintage.

Scorched earth, pipe tobacco, cedar and coconut aromas appear in the glass. Juicy and medium-bodied, the palate shows dried cherry, licorice and espresso framed in fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023-2028.

The Podere Scopetone 2017 Brunello di Montalcino brings forth lifted aromas of red rose, potting soil, dark spice and mid-summer cherry or blackberry. Despite the heat the vintage, the wine walks a fine line between balance and power, but it doesn't feel too heavy or extracted in terms of structure. Production is 5,800 bottles.