The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is intense, evolving in the glass, as smoky crushed stone gives way to balsamic spices, dried black cherries and hints of mint. It boasts creamy textural red and black fruits with a cocoa tinge. Balance is expertly maintained by brisk acids and underpinnings of sour citrus.

The 2017 finishes savory and structured, yet its tannins are rounded, making for a classically dry finale with nuances of salted licorice that linger long. La Colombina found a wonderful balance from such a difficult year.