Peppery overtones, cranberry and tart cherries define the bouquet of the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from La Poderina, as notes of olive, leather, pine resin, cumin and crushed stone develop in the glass. On the palate, notes of herbal-tinged black cherry and crushed violets, along with cooling acids and minerals keep things lively. The finish is remarkably long, resonating on the same peppery top notes found on the bouquet, yet with the added kick of zesty spices, brisk acids, and a hint of youthful tannin that lingers on. This is a singular expression of Brunello, which is hard to place within the region or its terroir, but there's an attractive quality to its unique profile that I enjoy quite a bit.

Plum, cherry and leafy underbrush aromas and flavors are joined by flashes of new oak in this red. The attractive flavors are compromised by a woody, dry feel to the tannins. Best from 2023 through 2035. 5,833 cases made, 1,550 cases imported.

Aromas of espresso, dark-skinned fruit and toasted oak slowly emerge from the glass. The solid, one-dimensional palate offers blackberry jam, licorice and roasted coffee bean alongside assertive tannins that leave rather astringent finish. Drink after 2022.