The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino takes some coaxing to come together in the glass, dusty yet floral, with crushed ashen stones and a core of plum followed by savory herbs and black currant beneath it all. 

This is elegance personified, casting velvety textural waves of ripe red and blue berries across the palate, all lifted by brisk acidity and with a flourish of lavender that lights up the senses.  A coating of fine tannins lingers, yet the mouth is left watering more, as nuances of licorice and blackberry slowly fade.