2018 Brunello di Montalcino, Franci, Tassi, Tuscany, Italy

Maturing ruby with bricky rim. Shows definitely a little more oomph on the nose than the straight Brunello. Sappy, soft fruit and already very accessible, but overall seems a tiny bit simple.

Drink 2023 - 2028

Fabio Tassi's 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Franci is lean, thin and polished. This streamlined performance is reinforced by dry tannins, low-intensity fruit and integrated acidity. I feel like these new 2018 releases from Tassi are thinner than recent past releases. The structure of the wine is also very open and accessible. Production is 3,600 bottles.

Fabio Tassi is a man in motion. He recently built a new winery with cement fermentation tanks and Slavonian casks for ageing. In 2016, he introduced the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Colombaiolo, a vineyard-designate wine, and in 2018 he started making a fun Sangiovese called Brunò I already reviewed the current 2020 vintage). Organic production started in 2016.

Drink 2024 - 2033

Like a savory holiday feast, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Franci boasts a rich mix of plum sauce and cranberry, savory herbs and autumnal spice. This is texturally deep and potent, with mineral-tinged red fruits and clove nuances. A fine coating of tannin is left to linger, along with a bump of stimulating citrus, as the 2018 tapers off long and elegantly perfumed. Very nice, and while this may not have the power of the best years, fans of Tassi will not want to be without it.

Drink 2025 - 2033

So clear and transparent, with layers of dried flowers, bay leaves, citrus pith, dried cranberries and peach fruit. The tannins are beautifully interwoven, with a medium to full body, and a silky, long and elegant finish.

Drink from 2023 and onwards.