Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Aromas of dried cherries, smoke, dark leather and violets with some dried leaves follow through to a full body with firm, fine tannins that are slightly chewy, yet it shows length and focus. Needs time to open on the finish. Try after 2023.

The La Lecciaia 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is a generous, full-bodied expression of Sangiovese (a grape that is usually on the leaner side of the spectrum). It shows a pretty dark ruby shine with aromas of dark cherry, dried currant, balsam herb and crushed flowers. Despite the rather grand presentation of aromas, the wine is more subdued on the palate with dry tannins and a good sense of textural richness. The finish is more abrupt in this wine compared to some recent editions from cooler growing seasons. Production is 80,000 bottles.

Aromas of sunbaked soil, spice and leather slowly appear in the glass. The ripe, ready palate recalls baked plum, licorice and vanilla alongside pliant tannins. Drink through 2027.