Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2015 (75cl, 14.5%)

A 100% Sangiovese red wine from the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG in Tuscany, Italy, from the 2015 vintage and bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Castello Banfi is a family-owned estate in the heart of Montalcino. The 2015 Brunello undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation at 27-29°C in proprietary hybrid French oak and stainless-steel Horizon tanks. Ageing follows a dual-vessel approach: 80% matures in large 60- or 90-hectolitre French oak botte, while the remaining 20% spends time in new French oak barrique. Grapes are hand-harvested across three or four passes. The nose opens with wild cherry and dried plum, then cinnamon, cardamom and aniseed, with sandalwood, cedar and a wisp of tar. The palate moves from bright red plum and pomegranate through blackberry and dark spice, with orange zest and licorice. The finish is long and balanced, with leather, menthol and earthy underbrush.