Villa Argiano lay claim to being the oldest wine estate in Montalcino, located below Saint'Angelo in Colle, some 8km from the famous wine town. Built in 1581 the Villa passed through many sets of hands over the centuries and in 1992, the current owner Noemi Marone Cinzano purchased the property. In the past the renown consultant, Giacomo Tachis, the man behind Sassacaia, was involved in the project and the Bordeaux varieties were planted but today Bordeaux-trained winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers holds the reins. The estates range of wines is superb and includes Suolo, their silky Sangiovese and stunning Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino.

Opening to a thick, blackish appearance, the Argiano 2019 Solengo is definitely more concentrated and tightly stitched together next to the 2018 edition. This is a supersized blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese that reveals the extra concentration of the vintage, and the important use of new and used French oak (for 18 months of aging), to create a texturally important and aromatically intense expression. The vines are planted in alluvial soils rich in sand and calcareous marl at 280 to 310 meters in elevation. The grapes are farmed organically and are relatively young, at up to 22 years of age. Plummy fruit and ripe blackberry segues to spice, tar and tobacco. This 2019 vintage shows better tannin management compared to the more astringent 2018 edition. Some 34,000 bottles (heavy glass bottles) were released. Drink: 2024-2042; Rating: 95 Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

This is very structured and linear with currants, blackberries, dried citrus, chocolate and some smokiness. It’s full-bodied, but very tight and structured. Flavorful finish. Try after 2024. Rating: 96 Points; James Suckling