2018 San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello di Montalcino 750ml

Lots of ripe plum and fresh flowers on the nose follow through to a full body with layers of fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Sort of dusty texture. Flavorful and delicious. Transparent.

The ColleMassari group took over this property in 2016, with 64 vineyard acres adjacent to the group’s Poggio di Sotto estate in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southeastern sector of Montalcino. This is the first vintage that Federico Staderini and his team controlled from start to finish, aging the wine in 30-hectoliter Slavonian casks instead of the small barrels that had been used in previous years. It unfolds with flavors of black cherry and sour cherry laced with notes of licorice, blood orange and mortared herbs. Tangy acidity propels the flavors as they ride on big, smooth tannins that feel classically powerful.

Tightly wound, this red evokes cherry, raspberry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors, with a solid tannic spine giving this support and a firm grip on the lingering finish. Tips a wee bit to the tannins in overall harmony, yet this is complex and long.