Fresh and earthy on the nose, like wet soil after a rain, with salty, sanguine aromas of crushed stones and just-brewed coffee and then the restrained sweetness of black cherries on ice and balsamic vinegar reduction. Black cherry, dried figs and dark chocolate appear on the palate, with razor-sharp acid and tannins that give a slow but crushing embrace. Statuesque.

This red boasts spice notes from new oak, along with plum, cherry, loam, mineral and sanguine aromas and flavors. Firm and concentrated, yet also impeccably balanced and with plenty to give, this reveals a juicy, cherry-infused aftertaste. Delivers terrific length. Best from 2026 through 2046. 220 cases made, 170 cases imported.

Opening slowly in the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sorgente wafts up with a seductive mix of lavender and violets, complementing dusty cherry, plum and a lifting hint of sweet smoke. This glides across the palate, nearly juicy in feel, with racy acidity propelling its depths of mineral-tinged dark red fruits. For all of its energy, the 2018 finishes with a classic feel, as dusty black tea-like tannins linger, and a punctuating flourish of sweet spice resonates on and on. The inner harmony here is something to behold. Without a doubt, Salicutti has proven that their elevation of Sorgente from Rosso to Brunello was indeed warranted.

The organic Salicutti 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sorgente (closed in a black wax capsule) is darker in color compared to the Piaggione. This wine also shows a heavier bouquet with some distant aldehydic aromas of dried cherry skin that could cause the bouquet to flatten with time. For that reason, I recommend a near or medium-term drinking window. Enjoy the Sorgente today and put the Piaggione aside for more aging. The tannins are still firm, so that needs some navigating or perhaps a pairing with a cheese or butter-heavy dish. Sorgente is a vigorous and humid parcel with sandy soils, stone and ancient marine fossils. Production is 2,450 bottles and about 100 magnums.