I love the combination of discreet, mature aromas and the lively red cherry fruit on the nose of this Brunello. Very pure and clean with serious but beautifully integrated dry tannins for 2013. Long and lively finish that makes you want to see what happens to this in 5-10 years — that is if you can resist it now.

(17.5+/20) Cask sample 1: Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Still a little progress, but finer on the nose than the 2012. Subtle cherry and a hint of tea leaves. Proper Burgundian in style, think Marroneto but with added ripeness. Spectacular balance and ends on austere tannins. This just needs more time but is already exciting. Cask sample 2: A shade deeper. More slumbering and with a little more concentration on the nose than cask sample 1. Intense, ripe raspberry and oatmeal notes. Juicy and almost a little racy, and with firmer tannins than sample 1, and a touch bitter at this stage. Shares breed and elegance with no 1, even if the tannins are more upfront. Yet the length and elegance are impressive. (WS)