This red is fresh, with pure black cherry fruit accented by licorice, earth, tobacco and spice notes. Firmly structured yet more sleek than dense, thanks to a brisk acidity, the lingering tannins are offset by an echo of ripe fruit. Best from 2024 through 2045. 4,000 cases made, 750 cases imported.

The 2016 Ugolforte Brunello has aromas of black raspberry, violets, and dusty earth. The palate is inviting with ripe cherry fruit, licorice, dried herbs, and fine-grained tannins. This will certainly be a fun property to watch and there is an elegance to the 2016 that I feel is a wonderful introduction to the new ownership. Drink 2022-2035.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is a dark beauty, impressing with its youthful poise but also its potential. Mint leaf and a dusting of cedar give way to crushed stone, wild strawberry and hints of flowery undergrowth. There are depths of velvety textures and polished red/black fruits, which create a sense of elegance; yet you can feel that there are layers here which are currently unseen. A complex web of fine tannins and minerals penetrate deeply, just as brisk acids and remnants of tart woodland berries fight to remain prevalent; yet all that remains is a hint of licorice. Wow.

Blue-flower, star anise, coffee- bean and crushed mint aromas take shape in the glass. On the austere, linear palate, taut, close-grained tannins accompany sour cherry, blood orange and licorice while firm acidity keeps it light on its feet. Drink 2024-2031.