Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino 2018

This thrilling Brunello producer has been making wine since the 1982 vintage, but is only coming to prominence today. It is a winery that is going to make a serious splash in the coming years. In the end, the choice for these wines is likely to come down to personal preference because all recent offerings are a little bit special. 2018 is a vintage that has copped a few backhanders from certain critics, who, I would argue, miss the point. This is a vintage that offers elegance and finesse. If you prefer blockbuster Shiraz to refined Pinot Noir, the 2018s may not resonate with you. Personally, I find them entrancing. This is a gleaming deep red with a nose offering florals, cigar box notes, cherries, and a hint of tomato bush. Wonderful elegance here, exquisitely fresh and with balance. There are abundant tannins, but they are ultra-fine and carried with serious length. This is a lovely example of Brunello at its most elegant and will drink beautifully for the next six to eight years.