A mix of cherry and plum sauces come together with cloves and balsam herbs as the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Cerrino opens in the glass. There are depths of textural dark fruits and sweet spices within, all neatly balanced by bright acidity and a hint of sour citrus. It's persistent and only lightly structured, leaving heady notes of mocha and raspberry Sour Patch to linger. Tasted blind, I doubt I'd call this out as a Brunello, but I would say that it's a seriously enjoyable glass of wine.

Earthy aromas of sunbaked earth, game and ripe dark fruit appear in the glass. The straightforward palate offers black plum, powdered sage and clove alongside taut tannins.