Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio Alle Mura 2015

Lots of dried bark, cinnamon stick, forest floor and earth add to an impression of dried cherries and sandalwood. But there are also hints of caramelized oranges and preserved lemons. The attack on the palate takes immediate effect; the powerful tannins pucker the edges of the mouth with imposing depth, but equally fascinating detail. This is a robust, take-no-hostages style of Brunello with a modern twist of finesse and tension. Drink from 2025.

The Castello Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura offers a distinct identity that is recognized by the natural thickness and density of the wine. Warm vintage conditions in 2015 that favor more concentrated fruit make this even more apparent. However, the palate is relatively mild mannered and tight. Black fruit, plum and blackberry roll off the tongue. Those fruity tones are followed by dark spice, balsam herb and a touch of savory barbecue spice. Unlike the classic Brunello from Castello Banfi, the Poggio alle Mura sees more contact with French barrique. Only 40% of the total is aged in botte, and 60% goes into smaller French barrels. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and will be released one year later in April 2020. Some 60,000 bottles were produced.

Bright medium dark ruby. Rich aromas of strawberry and orange peel, with a whiff of both violet and raisin. Suave in texture, with clean and energetic redcurrant and tobacco flavors. Deeper and richer than the 2015 Castello Banfi Brunello, this closes fine-grained and mellow. One of the best Poggio alle Mura Brunellos I have ever tasted (which is saying something, because I have almost always found this wine to be - to my Sangiovese taste, at least - always much too peppery and herbal). Well done.