Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 'Vigna Schiena D'Asino', Mastrojanni, 2019 - Magnum

"Dusted blackberries, sweet spice, cloves, rubbed sage, cedar box and smoke can all be found in the 2019 Brunelle di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino. Velvety, nearly creamy yet lively, it washes across the palate with a dense wave of mineral-tinged dark red fruits underscored by saline minerals, all held together by a core of brisk acidity. It finishes staining, long and concentrated with edgy tannins that will require patience to resolve fully. This is a glorious rendition of Vigna Schiena d'Asino. "

"Bright fruit on the nose, showing raspberries, fresh peach peel and citrus notes such as orange zest along with violets and earthy minerality. Full-bodied, this has mouth-coating, superflavored concentration, crisp acidity and velvety tannins soaked in oranges. There is a controlled sternness, as expected in a wine intended for aging. A real beauty now but will develop for years ahead."

"This is Mastrojanni's top-shelf wine with the black wax seal affixed to the front of the bottle. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino comes from a ridge of vines named in Italian after its shape, which resembles the sturdy backbone silhouette of a donkey or mule. The 2019 vintage delivers robust aromas with black and purple fruits. You also get spice and char from longer cellar aging. It closes with gritty flavors of espresso or Turkish coffee over a generous, full-bodied mouthfeel. Only 5,928 bottles were created."