Argiano : Vigna del Suolo 2018

On its cream-colored label, Argiano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo (with 5,000 bottles made) shows lively fruit with cherry, dried raspberry and plum. The tannins are silky and fine, and the wine coats the palate with mid-weight texture and balanced freshness. This is a relatively new addition to the Argiano portfolio (the first vintage was 2015). It draws its fruit from the expanses of vines along the dirt road that leads to the property's iconic castle.

Winemaker Bernardino Sani describes Vigna del Suolo simply as the best fruit of the estate. It hails from the oldest plantings on a limestone-rich soil reaching an elevation of 320 metres. While it demonstrates greater density than the estate bottling, do not expect a brawny beast — this is exquisitely refined and midweight, though not insubstantial. Gorgeous scents of raspberry, rooibos tea and rhubarb greet the nose. The palate is pure-fruited and invigorating, with crunchy acidity. Grainy tannins grip confidently, and it closes with a long, energetic and mouthwatering finish. Very appealing now but should charm for the next dozen years.

A very fine and polished Brunello with fine, creamy tannins that are polished and very curated. Cherry and bark character. Medium to full body with ripe tannins. Juicy. Orange peel. Try this after 2025, but already delicious.

Bright, brilliant ruby red with subtle brightening on the rim. Expressive and clear nose of fresh wild strawberries, mint, wood, dried tomato, underpinned by bright spice and maquis. Polished palate, becoming fleshy and juicy, with elegant drive, profound and elegant, finishing with earthy notes; will age superbly.

A more serious and mysterious profile emerges in the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Del Suolo, with unfolding layers of cherry liqueur, leather, smoky cedar, licorice, and rocky earth. Medium to full-bodied, with fantastic structure and balance, it has depth without weight, offering ripe tannins that are well-integrated and driving acidity that creates fantastic tension throughout. Notes of tea leaves, bergamot, clove, and turned soil all work together harmoniously. Drink 2025-2045.

A sweet, floral nose welcomes you with a warm embrace of vanilla and cherry before an earthy savoriness surprises you with notes of soil, leather, sun-dried tomato and oregano. The tomatoes sweeten on the palate joined by cherries and chili heat before a saline finish. A wine that defines itself with fruit so alive you could take its pulse, and contoured, seductive tannins.