The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass to offer a dark yet perfumed display of dusty dried roses, giving way to nuances of cherry and lavender. This is a savory yet polished effort, with velvety waves washing across a medium-bodied frame, along with densely packed red and black fruits that evolve into purple-tinged inner florals, and exotic spices that last well through the finale. The tannins are sweet and rounded and, while structured, the expression remains remarkably fresh, leaving behind a lasting nuance of violet candies. This is a wonderfully pretty and delicate interpretation of the 2017 vintage.

The Podere Scopetone 2017 Brunello di Montalcino brings forth lifted aromas of red rose, potting soil, dark spice and mid-summer cherry or blackberry. Despite the heat the vintage, the wine walks a fine line between balance and power, but it doesn't feel too heavy or extracted in terms of structure. Production is 5,800 bottles.

Scorched earth, pipe tobacco, cedar and coconut aromas appear in the glass. Juicy and medium-bodied, the palate shows dried cherry, licorice and espresso framed in fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023-2028.