The 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta di Castelgiocondo is a focused and determined wine that is laced with black cherry, sweet spice, candied fruit, menthol notes, root beer and licorice. The brightness and overall buoyant lift to the bouquet is very attractive. Brunello Castelgiocondo changes gear in the mouth where instead of brawn and power, it delivers a compact and smooth finish. The wine is at its peak drinking moment now, or perhaps slightly beyond it. Drink, 2014-2019.