Brunello di Montalcino, Patrizia Cencioni, 2020

"The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is a deeper shade of ruby/magenta and is aromatic of black raspberries, black cherries, violets, rosemary, and sappy earth. It's weightless but full-bodied, with ripe tannins, a clean, floating, very elegant feel, and pretty notes of black tea through the long finish. It's a lovely wine to enjoy over the coming 15 or so years. One of the first female winemakers in Montalcino, Patrizia Cencioni purchased her family estate in 1989. Today she is joined by her two daughters, Annalisa and Ariana, who handle the export market and the hospitality sector respectively. Offelio is an homage to Patrizia's uncle, who took the role of her daughters' Nonno (grandfather) and encouraged Patrizia in the early days of her winery to pave her own path forward. 123, the name of the cru on the other side of the road, is at the highest elevation, with slower maturation than the other sites. Over the past several years, the estate has moved away from small barriques and has been working to produce wines that remain rich but also have elegance and a sense of place."

"The fragrant 2020 Brunello from Patrizia Cencioni opens with heady aromas of dog rose, sun-warmed hay, new leather, espresso and Mediterranean scrub. On the enveloping palate, tightly woven, velvety tannins accompany fleshy red plum, Morello cherry and cake spice before a soothing licorice close. Drink 2028–2035."