The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago (with 5,000 bottles made) sees fruit sourced from a vineyard site located in the northern part of the appellation. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio expression that is aged in new 300-liter French barrique, this wine is instead aged in large 30- and 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks. In theory, this wine sees less oak-exposed surface area and follows a classic or traditional approach to Tuscan winemaking. Stylistically speaking, this Brunello is sharper and glossier with fragrant tones of wild berry and rose hip. The acidity is more pronounced, giving this wine beautifully contoured edges.

Macerated cherry, plum, licorice, tar and tobacco flavors are the highlights. Taut and linear in profile, with a dense finish. Stays vibrant, revealing echoes of tar and tobacco. Best from 2022 through 2038. 750 cases made, 150 cases imported.