Ridolfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2019

The nose has the bite of red apple skin, hibiscus tea and cranberry, while the palate keeps those tangy, high-toned red fruit notes but also adds the warmth of dried cherries and wild strawberries, as well as the sweetness of milk chocolate. Zippy acid adds a playful energy.

Compact and savory wine with dark fruit, ground cloves, dried rose petals and a hint of cured meat. Medium body with sturdy tannins and fresh acidity. Cedar aftertaste. A few years will soften it out.

Ripe flavors of cherry, blackberry, plum and earth highlight this red. Muscular tannins emerge on the expanding finish, leaving a solid grip. The balance tips toward the tannins, with a subtle hint of fruit. Best from 2027 through 2042. 5,400 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and darkly floral with a whiff of dark chocolate and violet pastille that gives way to crushed blackberries. This is soft and enveloping with tart red berry fruits that saturate as a coating of fine tannins mounts toward the close. It finishes staining, long and structured with a licorice note and hints of cedar lingering on.