VINOUS: 90 PUNTI PER IL BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2018 VILLA POGGIO SALVI

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is youthfully understated in the glass, showing hints of floral perfumes and sugar-dusted blackberries beneath a cloud of sweet smoke. This is velvety in feel, yet not heavy or dense; instead, it’s finessed with pretty red and black fruits that cascade across a core of saline minerality. While structured, this maintains a lovely balance, tapering off with crystalline tannins that frame lingering hints of tart wild berry and balsamic spice. The 2018 is focused more on grace and purity than power. – Eric Guido