This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Montalcino shows what exciting surprises enviable terroir can coax out of apparently familiar grapes, as the nose opens with fresh soil and burning fall leaves before suddenly turning to offer the oil-laden, nearly fried crust of a pan pizza with jammy, reduced tomato on its edge. This savory, earthiness is amplified on the palate, and then enriched with crunchy notes of red and black cherries. The tannins and heat ensure this bottle has plenty of time to relax and come into its own, but there's no need to wait.

Spicy with a flinty smokiness that slowly blows off, the 2019 Cabernet-Merlot opens to notes of dried black cherries, dark chocolate, hints of brine and caraway seeds. This soft textured with juicy acidity that helps to enliven the tart red and black fruits within. It finishes with savory herbal tones and a bit of a sour tinge. Unfortunately, I find much more wood that fruit coming from the 2019 Cabernet-Merlot.