2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Gemini, Riserva, La Serena, Tuscany, Italy

Just northeast of the town of Montalcino, La Serena now counts 12 hectares of vineyards. Gemini comes from a small plot surrounding the winery at 400 metres. It was planted in 1993. Sporting a flattering, perfumed nose, the 2016 offers tobacco, pressed violet and cherry bark. Rich-fruited and gentle on the entry, this builds with powerful, dry tannins that will require a couple more years to resolve. Appealing fennel and tamarind notes bring this to a close.

Drink 2024 - 2032

The zesty 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini leaps from the glass with its wild bouquet of spiced citrus peels, shavings of pine, mint leaf and currants. It coasts along the palate with silky yet youthfully dense dark red berries and liquorice tones while leaving a coating of salty minerals and fine tannins in its wake; yet through it all, a core of juicy acidity maintains fabulous balance and energy. A pretty inner sweetness lingers, contrasted by a sour twang of citrus and tart cranberry fruits, as the 2016 tapers off structured, long and unexpectedly fresh. A number of years in the cellar will be required to soften the blow, but Gemini will be worth waiting for.

Drink 2026 - 2034

Sweet berries and cherries with some fresh flowers. Very aromatic. Full-to medium-bodied with firm, layered tannins that are polished and focused. The fruit is clean and pure. Gorgeous finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2023 and onwards.