"Sour cherries, dried leaves and lemon zest on the nose. Its medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Structured and savory with a firm finish. Drink in 2023."-JS

The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is gorgeous, mixing both primary fruit and earth tones to create a wonderfully balanced expression, showing crushed cherries in an array of smoky minerals, dusty soil and sweet herbs. On the palate, I'm finding soft textures, given life by zesty acids and backed by a core of tart blackberry, spiced-orange, and saline-minerality, as a hint of youthful tannin collects on the senses. The finish is medium in length, wonderfully fresh yet focused, as its vibrant fruits give way to lingering florals. The 2018 Rosso is yet another overperformer from Il Poggione.

Here's another loose and easy protagonist from a vintage that would wash down well with a wide variety of easy home-cooked meals. The Il Poggione 2018 Rosso di Montalcino shows Sangiovese purity with sour cherry and bitter almond. The entire presentation focuses on the basics: fresh fruit flavors, acidity and accessibility. It's all there, and there's no need to expect more. Fruit comes from the estate's younger vines, which are all over 10 years old nonetheless.

Blue-flower, wild berry and pine-resin aromas come together in the glass. On the tense, racy palate, nervous acidity accompanies sour cherry and white pepper alongside dusty, drying tannins. Drink through 2022.