Intense balsamic aromas of sage and mint dusted with cocoa lead. The palate is smooth, polished and sleek without lacking structure. Those sandy tannins feel expertly placed. Sweet herbs and sun-baked stone accent the luxuriant red berries. Long in satisfying flavours and harmonious in all its elements but worth waiting another year. Among recent changes – like Francesco Illy buying out his siblings and converting to organic and biodynamic viticulture – Mastrojanni has a new winemaker as of 2022. The young Giulia Härri, who also oversees production at her family estate Claudia Ferrero, took charge when this was already in barrel.

A medium red hue introduces the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino, which opens with toasted cedar, licorice, red cherries, pressed flowers, rosemary, and polished leather. The palate is medium-bodied and zesty, with pure, ripe red fruit, ripe tannins, and refreshing acidity that keeps it energetic and focused through the finish. It should drink at its best over the next 15-20 years.

Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and crushed stones, Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. There's almost a sandy, terra cotta character in the finish. Lovely balance. Drink or hold.

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass with a burst of crushed ashen stone and sage, giving way to mulling spice and dried black cherries. It envelops the palate with silken textures and masses of ripe dark red fruits, soothing, polished and balanced in feel. Edgy tannins mingle with a subtle citrus twang as rosy inner florals resonate through the dramatically long, youthfully structured finale. The balance here is beyond reproach. Mastrojanni blended in the juice from the Vigna Schiena d'Asino to bolster this bottling.