2016 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 6-Pack

Blended from Le Ragnaie's scattered vineyards, this provides a wide-angle snapshot of Montalcino’s varied territory, violets and Mediterranean scrub meeting wild strawberry, stone and an intriguing earthiness. It also encapsulates Sangiovese’s buoyancy, coming across as mid-weight at first then building with power as firm, dusty tannins wrap around a tangy core. The finish is energetic and uplifting - an elegantly sculpted Brunello. As with the estate’s single-vineyard bottlings, fermentation is spontaneous, macerations are a lengthy 45 to 50 days, and ageing is in large Slavonian oak casks. (MM)

A firm, linear style, featuring black cherry, black currant, licorice, iron and spice aromas and flavors. Though firmly structured and compact, there's an energy here and an overall balance that makes this red compelling. Ends with a terrific finish, evoking fruit, spice and underbrush accents. (BS)