2021 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino Piero, Tuscany

Powerful, bright ruby with a pronounced garnet rim. Very fragrant and clear on the nose, fine raspberry and fresh cherry, some rosemary in the background. Juicy and with present ripe fruit on the palate, crisp, opens up with fine-meshed tannins, firm pressure on the finish.

96 points Falstaff

Savory and layered, offering sour cherries, dried strawberries, tobacco leaves and crushed rocks. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with compact tannins and excellent tension. Very polished, linear and focused, finishing long and juicy. Better after 2027.

93 points James Suckling

Honouring Pierluigi Talenti’s first vintage in 1981, his grandson and successor Riccardo has bottled the estate Brunello with a special 40th anniversary label. As spring frost decimated his lower vineyards close to the Orcia River, he sacrificed a Riserva to concentrate on this. In its signature fragrant style, freshly cut basil and mint mingle with forest brush and turned earth. Those sweet garden herbs repeat on the palate, which is decidedly light and lithe for the vintage. Red currants and raspberry provide the backdrop, with a lovely length of tobacco and spearmint. It's almost Rosso-like until an appropriate tug of silky tannins kicks in. This is ready to go.

93 points Decanter

Talenti is one of Montalcino's highly regarded family estates, founded by Pierluigi Talenti, who spent many years working alongside the legendary Brunello producer Il Poggione. Today, his grandson Riccardo Talenti leads the winery, continuing the family's dedication to expressive Sangiovese. Piero is a special selection named in honour of Pierluigi, celebrating his contribution to the estate and the traditions of Montalcino.

The vineyards lie in the southern part of Montalcino, near Sant'Angelo in Colle, where warm days and cooling breezes help Sangiovese develop ripe fruit while retaining freshness. The 2021 vintage has produced a beautifully structured Brunello, combining concentration with aromatic detail and fine tannins.

Deep ruby red with garnet highlights. Black cherry, ripe raspberry and plum mingle with violet, dried rose petals, liquorice and a hint of sweet tobacco. The palate is generous yet finely balanced, with concentrated red fruit, vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins. Notes of cedar, balsamic herbs and earthy spice carry through a long, savoury finish.

Try it with slow roasted lamb and rosemary, porcini mushroom pappardelle, or grilled eggplant with tomato, lentils and aged pecorino. A generous decant will help reveal its fragrance and complexity while young.

Cellaring: Drink 2029 to 2045+. Its concentration, acidity and firm structure should reward patient cellaring.