A beautiful red with cedar, mushroom and cherry character, as well as hints of sandalwood. It’s medium-bodied and very polished with loveliness and finesse that comes through clearly. A wine to drink young, but will age very nicely. Drink or hold.

Castello di Banfi’s straight Brunello just gets better every year as the 2019 aptly proves. It’s smooth, concentrated, delicious and energized, not an easy combination but one that they rock in the 2019 vintage. It starts out with aromas of camphor, truffle, ripe black-skinned berry and tobacco while the enveloping palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, almond and cake spice framed in velvety tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted and vibrant. Drink 2027–2039. Abv: 14.5%

The nose is balanced, yet tense, as the warmth of tar and anise burns beneath sweet, almost flirtatious aromas of vanilla, Luxardo cherry and blood orange peel, with a saline freshness. The palate leans into the fruit and salinity, but a blast of pepper brings more warmth. Tightly coiled tannins mirror and emphasize the wine's overall energetic tension–a great deal for a classic example of Brunello. — Danielle Callegari

A refined and generous Brunello, exhibiting plum, cherry, strawberry and even floral flavors. This strives for elegance, achieving it with harmony and a line of fine-grained tannins on the lingering finish. There's ample fruit midpalate that resonates on the mineral finish, showing fine definition. Best from 2026 through 2040. — B.S.

A rich red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is a touch shy on opening before revealing aromas of cherry pie, a hint of blue fruit coming through with violets, and anise. Medium to full-bodied, it has a pop of angular texture, chalky tannins, and a clean, lovely, tapered finish. This exceptional wine from Banfi offers a lot of purity and finesse. Drink 2025-2040. - Audrey Frick