2021 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly perfumed, evolving with nuances of dried rose, sage, cedar shavings and balsamic-tinged black cherries. It is beautifully balanced with silken depths of ripe red and blue fruits elevated by cooling acidity and a slightly spicy twang toward the close. The sweetest tannins imaginable frame the finish as this tapers off structured and long yet still perfumed and pleasurable. There's a lovely harmony here that keeps me coming back to the glass, even as the 2021 requires extensive cellaring.

95 points Eric Guido, Vinous

Talenti is one of Montalcino's respected family estates, established by Pierluigi Talenti, who spent many years working at the celebrated Il Poggione winery. Today, his grandson Riccardo Talenti continues the family's dedication to Sangiovese, producing Brunellos that combine generous Tuscan fruit with elegance and traditional character. The estate's classic Brunello is a particularly appealing introduction to their wines.

The vineyards lie around Sant'Angelo in Colle, in southern Montalcino, where warm Mediterranean influences and cooling breezes help Sangiovese achieve ripeness while retaining freshness. The excellent 2021 vintage has produced a beautifully balanced wine with expressive fruit, fine structure and plenty of ageing potential.

Bright ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe Morello cherry, wild raspberry and red plum mingle with violet, dried rosemary, orange peel and a hint of tobacco. The palate is generous and finely textured, with juicy red fruit, vibrant acidity and firm but polished tannins. Notes of liquorice, cedar and earthy spice carry through a long, savoury finish.

Try it with Tuscan white bean and sausage stew, porcini mushroom risotto, or roasted eggplant with tomato, basil and aged pecorino. Its refreshing acidity makes it a lovely companion for rich, slow cooked dishes.

Cellaring: Drink 2028 to 2042+. Enjoyable with decanting in its youth, with the structure to develop greater savoury complexity over time