Wine Reviews

This Brunello boasts an open-knit style with textured tannins and lots of dark fruit at its core. With an ample 120,000 bottles made, the Tenute Silvio Nardi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a medium to full-bodied Sangiovese with a combination of dried blackberry flavors and sweetly toasted oak.

A spicy version, whose black pepper and Szechuan peppercorn notes highlight the core cherry and strawberry flavors. Underbrush and iron accents also enter the mix, while this stays balanced and long as the tannins leave their grip on the finish

An assemblage of various plots throughout Montalcino, this spends 12 months in French oak tonneaux followed a further 18 in large Slavonian oak casks. Nutmeg, allspice and chocolate lead. Ripe but not rich, this is strapping in personality. Somewhat astringent tannins suggest a generous extraction. These need to catch up with the mature, mellowed fruit. Frisky acidity preserves freshness and tamarind introduces an enticing twist. It has plenty of personality, if not completely balanced. The Nardi family works with Bordeaux consultant Eric Boissenot for the final blend.

Blackberry, black-truffle and black-cherry aromas follow through to a medium body with juicy fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Polished, pretty tannins here. Nicely crafted.

The nose is autumnal, as if summer’s last batch of plums has been dried, while a metallic, slightly melancholic tang of tar, olives and wild herbs portends rainy weather. On the palate, dark fruit, bitter cocoa and stone join persistent tar, maintaining a wistful feel through a long finish.