2013 Luce Brunello di Montalcino, Luce della Vite, Marchesi di Frescobaldi (3 x Bottle)

Dark and earthy at first, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Luce slowly blossoms with a blend of minty herbs and balsamic spice, giving way to suggestions of plum sauce, cedar box and clove. This is round and soft, with depths of ripe red and blue fruit that flow across the palate with ease, carried by a stream of bright acidity. Medium in length, the 2013 finishes a bit hollow in feel, leaving adolescent tannins and a slight bitter tinge to linger as rosy inner florals fade. Despite its slightly underwhelming finale, the 2013 has matured quite well, and it's hard to imagine that the wine originally tasted by my predecessor came from a sound bottle.