Pian Dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante 2019

More sporty and tension-driven, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigneti Del Versante is still ripe with mixed berries, red and purple flowers, and fine though present tannins at this stage. It has a touch more linear feeling than the 2020s, which I think gives it a slight edge at this stage, along with its more tension-driven personality. It displays underlying notes of orange zest and an elegant floral perfume, and its saltiness is more pronounced here as well.

Nuances of dusty florals, rosemary, sage, clove and leather give way to dried strawberry aromas as the radiant 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante blossoms in the glass. It's silky-smooth and deep, displaying extraordinary elegance. Soothingly soft textures, ripe red and blue fruit notes and a kick of vibrant acidity provide fantastic energy. Sweet, crunchy tannins steadily build toward the violet-tinged finale, tapering off with hints of blood orange and spice. In a word, spellbinding.