Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Cortonesi 2015

A tight, rather linear red with blackberry, black-cherry, chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Still tight. Drink after 2022.

Softer for sure compared to the 2016 wines, and more abundant in personality, the Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Mannella is very expressive of the sunny, warm and luminous growing season. Rich fruit flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis are interwoven with spice, sweet tobacco and balsam herb. This wine is fermented in steel for 25 days and is then racked into oak for a long 48-months élevage. This wine is only made in the best years, and it draws its fruit from the estate's oldest vines, which are 37 years old. A mere 3,658 bottles were made. The tannins are a bit bitter and youthful, so give this wine more cellar time. 2024-2045