The Castello Banfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura offers a distinct identity that is recognized by the natural thickness and density of the wine. Warm vintage conditions in 2015 that favor more concentrated fruit make this even more apparent. However, the palate is relatively mild mannered and tight. Black fruit, plum and blackberry roll off the tongue. Those fruity tones are followed by dark spice, balsam herb and a touch of savory barbecue spice. Unlike the classic Brunello from Castello Banfi, the Poggio alle Mura sees more contact with French barrique. Only 40% of the total is aged in botte, and 60% goes into smaller French barrels. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and will be released one year later in April 2020. Some 60,000 bottles were produced.

In an unusual twist of fate for 2015, the burly tannins cover the cherry and plum fruit, lending this a monolithic impression. The grip is not astringent, however, and this features ample fruit in the end. Finishes with a touch of heat, along with iron and tobacco accents. Best from 2023 through 2040. 5,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

This full-bodied red has aromas of French oak, camphor and a whiff of roasted coffee bean. Tightly knit and youthfully austere, the palate offers sour cherry, orange zest, licorice and a note of dried sage alongside firm, close-grained tannins that grip the close. Drink 2023-2030.

Bright medium dark ruby. Rich aromas of strawberry and orange peel, with a whiff of both violet and raisin. Suave in texture, with clean and energetic redcurrant and tobacco flavors. Deeper and richer than the 2015 Castello Banfi Brunello, this closes fine- grained and mellow. One of the best Poggio alle Mura Brunellos I have ever tasted (which is saying something, because I have almost always found this wine to be - to my Sangiovese taste, at least - always much too peppery and herbal). Well done.