2018 Brunello di Montalcino, Col di Lamo
A lovely pale red hue greets you in the glass, visually reminiscent of fine red Burgundy, with aromas of tobacco leaf, red cherry, tea leaf and very subtle toasty, woody notes.
On the first taste the fine, tannic grip coats the palate, it's not overly aggressive, but undoubtedly masks the flavour. Let your palate acclimatise for a few moments, then head back for a second taste to reveal the magic...
This time the grip is pushed to one side, with lashings of ripe, dark cherry and mixed berry fruit first to land, progressing to include an elegant medley of smokey toasted oak, a hint of almond and a dried fruit/herbaceous character.
There's a superb structure to the palate, with sweet dark-berry fruit, framed buy subtle toasty oak that holds long on the finish, long after the grip has subsided.
Enjoyable as a solo glass, but for maximum pleasure it's a wine that deserves to be at the dinner table. Alongside roasted game I've no doubt it would be a 'game changer' - pun intended - as those tannins melt away and expose an even more complex core of leather and toasted herbs.
14% ABV | Drink Now - 2035 | James Russell-Grant - Mr.Wheeler