Fabio Tassi 2015 Brunello "Franci Riserva" 750ml

I'm struggling with an intellectual battle that pits a preference for 2016 Brunello over 2015 Brunello Riserva. This wine adds a happy check in a tally for the latter. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Franci is soft, yielding, broad and rich. The quality of the fruit is dark, fresh and pure with blackberry, wild cherry and plum. There are ample background notes of spice, tar, licorice and smoke. The wine delivers lasting balance and harmony. Make a note of the tannins that appear especially well integrated in this sunny vintage.

Score: 96 points -- Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 2020