Klaus Gundel, Faccia A Faccia, Sant' Antimo, Tuscany, 2015

The Sant' Antimo DOC covers part of the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, but in this case it is Syrah rather than Sangiovese which takes prominence. It has a rich swirl of coffee bean, dark chocolate, charred barrel, black and red berries, and a touch of mint on the nose. Full, smooth and rich in the mouth, it's well balanced by fresh acidity, ensuring the 15% alcohol is not an issue. A wild, brambly and spicy character is joined by plummy black and red fruits subsumed by hefty oak influence, with coffee, chocolate and a touch of wood. There's a hint of herbs on the long, fresh finish.