Beautifully polished and bright, the Tenute Silvio Nardi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers a textbook rendition from this slightly warm vintage. The wine sketches out classic lines with a generous and full array of Sangiovese aromas. These range from wild fruit and dried cherry to tilled earth, cola and balsam herb. There's a pretty note of blue flower or lilac as well for added elegance. The finish is smooth with integrated tannins and balanced acidity. All the elements work harmoniously here and would be nicely accentuated by a spezzatino di maiale, or pork shoulder slow-cooked with tomato, shallots, red wine and peas.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino presents a dark and brooding display of crushed strawberry and cherry, with savory herbs and moist earth tones, as a hint of animal muskiness adds intrigue. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures are contrasted by a mix of tart red fruits, spice, and saline minerals, as hints of fine tannin settle on the senses. The finish is long and structured, with a tingling buzz of acid and minerals, as hints of dried red berries are slowly fading. I have to wonder if the fruit will hold up long enough for these tannins to fully resolve; yet to be perfectly honest, even with its austere finish, the 2015 Silvio Nardi Brunello is already very easy to like.

Monolithic today, this red compacts black cherry, plum, tar and tobacco flavors into the chewy tannins. Will need time and faith to find balance. Best from 2024 through 2037. 14,160 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

This has subtle aromas suggesting mature black-skinned berry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of menthol. The linear, rather austere palate offers dried Marasca cherry, espresso and licorice alongside close-grained, astringent tannins that leave a lean, drying finish. Give the tannins several years to unclench then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.