Black cherry, walnut, bark and wet earth on the nose. Some mushroom, too. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are energetic and polished at the same time. Plenty of character at the finish, if a little subdued. Very persistent. Try after 2024.

Winemaker and owner Fabian Schwartz favours 500L French oak tonneau for ageing, with the percentage of new wood increasing up through his range of Brunello. Here, a moderate 30% is cleverly integrated and barely perceptible. Pristine and pretty, La Màgia’s estate Brunello doesn’t give up everything all at once: it progresses from floral notes to sunbaked earth and irony intricacies. Almost midweight yet with lovely depth of fruit, the palate displays an exotic citrussy element, framed by very fine powdery tannins.

Expressive aromatics of lavender, fresh black raspberry, and sweet Mediterranean herbs are found in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino. The palate is ripe and inviting, with black cherry, cola, and baked earth. It is open and generous, with a round structure and soft, supple tannins. Approachable now or enjoy over the next ten years.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from La Magia keeps you coming back to the glass, displaying musky cherries dusted in shavings of cedar and pine, with hints of candied orange in the mix. It’s silky in feel with sweet red fruits and spices further accentuated by vibrant acids. Fine tannins come forward through the close; yet energy remains high, as this fruit-forward and seductive Brunello tapers off to hints of cinnamon and clove. -- Eric Guido