2020 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo IGT Magnum 1.5L, Tuscany

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo captivates as a bouquet of dried roses and crushed stone gives red plums and spice orange peels. This is surprisingly juicy and graceful in style, sweeping across the palate with silken textures yet lifted in feel as depths of red and blueberry fruits settle on the senses. The 2020 tapers off youthfully tense and structured, leaving a tart cranberry concentration and web of fine-grained tannins that flex upon the palate. The 2020 should gain weight with cellaring, but it will always be an incredibly pretty and finessed interpretation of Vigna del Suolo. Drink: 2026 – 2036 

95 points Eric Guido, Vinous Nov 2023 

Argiano is one of Montalcino's great historic estates, with a winemaking story stretching back to the sixteenth century. Set in the southwestern reaches of the appellation, the property has undergone an impressive revival under the ownership of Brazilian businessman André Esteves and the direction of CEO Bernardino Sani. A renewed focus on organic viticulture, individual vineyard character and thoughtful winemaking has placed Argiano firmly among Tuscany's leading producers. Vigna del Suolo is the estate's flagship single vineyard Brunello, a wine of remarkable finesse and distinction.

The Vigna del Suolo vineyard occupies a prized position on the estate, with old Sangiovese vines rooted in limestone rich soils that help shape the wine's mineral character and finely structured tannins. The 2020 growing season produced ripe, generous fruit while retaining the freshness essential to great Brunello. Fermentation and extended maturation are handled with restraint, allowing the vineyard's natural elegance to emerge without excessive oak influence. Compared with Argiano's classic Brunello, Vigna del Suolo has an extra degree of concentration, aromatic detail and ageing potential.

Brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections. Wild cherry, redcurrant and ripe raspberry are joined by violet, blood orange and dried rose petals. As it opens, notes of sweet tobacco, cedar, liquorice and crushed stone emerge. The palate is beautifully composed, with succulent red fruit, fine chalky tannins and a lively thread of acidity. Savoury herbs, orange peel and a delicate earthy character add complexity, while the finish is exceptionally long, fragrant and persistent. There is richness here, certainly, but it is the balance and graceful structure that make this Brunello so compelling.

Porcini risotto, pappardelle with wild mushrooms or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would all complement its savoury character. For something more traditional, consider bistecca alla Fiorentina or slow roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic. Decanting for an hour or two will help reveal its finer details, although this is a wine that deserves plenty of time in the cellar.

Cellaring: Drink 2028 to 2045+. The 2020 vintage has lovely immediate appeal, but Vigna del Suolo possesses the structure and concentration to develop beautifully over the next two decades.