2018 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo IGT Magnum 1.5L, Tuscany

This sleek, delineated red grabs your attention with a beam of cherry and black currant, while pointed tannins line the finish. Shows earth, menthol, white pepper and juicy red berry flavors that are expressive and mouthwatering. Superlong finish. 415 cases made. Drink: 2026 – 2048 

97 points Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator Jun 2023 

A very fine and polished Brunello with fine, creamy tannins that are polished and very curated. Cherry and bark character. Medium to full body with ripe tannins. Juicy. Orange peel. Try this after 2025, but already delicious.

96 points James Suckling Dec 2022

In the cream-colored label, the Argiano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo (with 5,000 bottles made) shows good fruit vibrancy with cherry, dried raspberry and plum. The tannins are silky and fine, and the wine coats the palate with mid-weight texture and balanced freshness. This is a relatively new addition to the Argiano portfolio (the first vintage was 2015). It draws its fruit from the expanses of vines on the dirt road that leads to this property's epic castle. Drink 2024-2040

94 points Monica Larner Robert Parker Mar 2023

Few estates in Montalcino can claim a history as rich as Argiano, whose magnificent Renaissance villa and surrounding vineyards date back to the sixteenth century. Under the ownership of André Esteves and the direction of Bernardino Sani, the estate has undergone an extraordinary revival, embracing organic farming and a more sensitive approach to winemaking. Vigna del Suolo sits at the pinnacle of the range, expressing the character of a remarkable old vine Sangiovese vineyard with the elegance and depth that have made Argiano one of Brunello's most admired names.

Situated on the estate's southwestern slopes, Vigna del Suolo is planted to mature Sangiovese vines rooted in limestone rich soils. The vineyard's naturally balanced fruit and distinctive mineral character are central to the wine's personality. The 2018 vintage was cooler and more variable than the powerful years surrounding it, producing Brunellos that favour perfume, freshness and finesse over sheer concentration. Argiano's restrained use of oak and careful handling of the fruit allow these qualities to emerge with particular clarity, making this a beautifully expressive interpretation of the vineyard.

Bright ruby garnet with a gently translucent edge. Fragrant red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry mingle with dried violet, rose petals and blood orange. Subtle notes of tobacco, sandalwood, anise and crushed limestone develop with air. The palate is graceful and finely detailed, with fresh red fruit, silky yet persistent tannins and a lively mineral character. There is a lovely savoury quality beneath the fruit, with dried herbs, orange zest and a touch of earthy spice leading into a long, delicate finish. Less muscular than the 2020, perhaps, but wonderfully aromatic and refined.

Wild mushroom pappardelle, porcini risotto or roasted eggplant with tomato and Parmigiano would suit its elegant character beautifully. Duck breast with cherries, rabbit braised with olives and rosemary or aged Pecorino Toscano would also be excellent choices. A gentle decant will help the aromas unfold, although this is already entering a particularly attractive stage of its development.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038. The 2018 vintage is approachable earlier than some more structured years, but the balance and fine tannins of Vigna del Suolo should reward another decade or more in the cellar.