The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli Riserva from Il Poggione keeps you at the edge of your seat, with a gorgeous display of herbal-tinged black cherry, sweet white smoke, cedar and cloves. The textures are silky and polished, as this coasts effortlessly across a core of salty minerals and bright acids, taking on a decidedly savory, umami note. There's simply so much going on and so much to like about the 2015 Riserva, as balsamic spice, hints of wild herbs and tobacco form up toward the close over a coating of classically fine tannin. Tasting the 2015 Riserva, you could easily forget that it hails from a ripe vintage. This needs five or more years to unwind and should then excel for well over a decade in our cellars. Tasted twice and over the course of two days.

Vigna Paganelli is the estate's oldest vineyard planted in 1964, and the wine was aged for over 40 months is large French oak of various size. The 2015 Vigna Paganelli Riserva is rich with cola aromatics, licorice, and black cherry. There is a concentrated core of fruit, with vanilla and cedar. The structure is persistent with grippy tannins and acidity that perseveres through the darkness of the fruit. This is a luxurious wine that will need time to unravel and soften. Hold in the cellar for 3-6 years and enjoy 2024-2042.

This red is subtle and laced with cherry, plum and floral notes, backed by vibrant acidity. Earth and tobacco accents add depth. It took a few moments of aeration to shake off the cobwebs, and this isn't an expressive style, but it has its appeal. Will need time to absorb the substantial tannins. Best from 2025 through 2048. 3,750 cases made, 750 cases imported.