2018 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo IGT, 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 Mar 2023

94 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 

Argiano has been making wine in Montalcino for centuries, but its recent renaissance has brought a new level of refinement to this magnificent historic estate. Under the direction of Bernardino Sani, organic farming and a renewed focus on individual vineyard character have helped establish Argiano among Tuscany's leading producers. Vigna del Suolo is the estate's flagship single vineyard Brunello, produced from a carefully selected parcel of mature Sangiovese vines. While the classic Brunello has earned international acclaim, this limited production bottling reveals an even more detailed and distinctive expression of the estate's exceptional terroir.

The vineyard lies on Argiano's southwestern Montalcino slopes, where limestone rich soils and mature vines contribute structure, freshness and aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage was cooler and more variable than the powerful years surrounding it, producing wines that favour perfume, finesse and graceful balance over sheer concentration. Argiano's gentle approach to extraction and maturation in large oak casks allows these qualities to emerge naturally. Vigna del Suolo captures the elegance of the vintage beautifully, with finely textured tannins and a delicate mineral character that promise rewarding development.

Bright ruby garnet with a translucent edge. Wild cherry, redcurrant and ripe raspberry mingle with dried rose petals, violet and blood orange. Notes of tobacco, sandalwood, liquorice and crushed limestone appear as the wine opens. The palate is graceful and finely detailed, with fresh red fruit, silky yet persistent tannins and lively acidity. Dried herbs, orange peel and a subtle earthy character add savoury interest, while the finish is long, fragrant and beautifully composed. There is a lovely delicacy to this Brunello, with enough depth to satisfy but none of the heaviness sometimes associated with more powerful vintages.

Wild mushroom pappardelle, porcini risotto or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would be wonderful companions. Duck breast with cherries, rabbit braised with olives and rosemary or aged Tuscan cheeses would also complement its elegant character. A gentle decant will allow the aromas to unfold, although the 2018 is already entering a particularly attractive drinking window.

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.