Mocali Brunello di Montalcino Vigna delle Raunate 2017

A fruity style, this red boasts cherry, raspberry, earth, wild thyme, vetiver and tobacco flavors. Graceful and vibrant, displays finesse, despite robust tannins. All the elements are there, but need a few years to harmonize. Best from 2025 through 2045. 500 cases made,

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Le Raunate opens to a darkly saturated appearance with aromas of blackberry or cherry preserves. This 6,000-bottle production is fermented in oak and later aged in tonneaux, resulting in a medium to full-bodied approach with a generous, creamy texture.

The 2017 Brunello de Montalcino Le Raunate lights up the senses with a beguiling mix of crushed black cherries and plums complemented by exotic spices, hints of sour citrus and tobacco. This is soft and pliant in feel, motivated by vibrant acidity, as a soothing wave of ripe red and black fruits coasts along the palate. While the finish is a bit shorter than expected, it's also classically dry and fresh, leaving hints of salted black licorice to linger. It appears that the older vines of Le Raunate handled the conditions of 2017 well. That said, this lacks the depth of better vintages.

This opens with aromas of mocha, toasted oak and ripe dark-skinned fruit. The forward palate offers baked plum, espresso and clove alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2027.