2018 Brunello di Montalcino

A rich blend of balsam herbs, tobacco and cocoa, wafts up from the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. This is dense, almost creamy upon entry, yet quickly takes on tension through a mix of salty minerals and savory wild berries. It finishes long and tannic, with a mentholated freshness that provides a bit of balance as tart red fruits slowly fade. This comes across as disjointed, almost baked, but also watered down.