Expressive, crunchy dark fruit, such as black cherry and blue plum, as well as violets and peppery undertones. Medium-bodied, creamy palate with a wonderful backbone of acidity. Subtly toasty finish. Complex, yet well rounded and balanced. Better after 2027.

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a spice box of a wine, opening with a burst of camphor and dried flowers, giving way to crushed blackberries, sage and cloves. This is surprisingly energetic and racy in style. Vibrant acidity propels depths of dark red fruits and inner floral as salty minerals saturate. The 2019 finishes structured and long yet still lively, leaving violet inner florals and hints of currant to taper off slowly. The combination of power, depth and energy makes this impossible to ignore. -- Eric Guido

Ripe, sweet cherry and strawberry flavors are offset with savory elements of mushroom, woodsy underbrush and leather. This intense red is well integrated and supple in texture, with a terrific, succulent aftertaste. Drink now through 2040. — B.S.