2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
Smudgy mid ruby with bricky rim. Sweet, leathery red fruit. Some dried fruit here too but not overripe and not lacking freshness. In fact it is mouth-watering and moreish. Resolved, chalky-fine tannins. Lovely wine, refined and still plenty more complexity and further refinement to come. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is an ambitious wine with a clear message that underlines a quality winemaking philosophy. The wine boasts a plump and rich personality that is flanked by a generous bouquet of dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco. This is a standout Brunello from a classic vintage. That sense of fullness continues to the palate where the wine reveals especially firm tannins and extra fruit extraction. It will be fascinating to revisit this wine in ten years' time.
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows a darker side of Sangiovese, with plenty of black cherry, spice, anise, herb and tobacco. There is lovely depth and density throughout. Like all the San Polo Brunellos, the 2010 Riserva emphasizes fruit intensity, yet there is enough tannin and overall structure for the wine to develop nicely over the coming years. Sage, lavender and tobacco add the closing shades of nuance.
Tasted blind. Deep ruby with orange tinges. Quite subdued on the nose. Spicy more than fruity at this stage. Same tightness on the palate. Super-youthful with compact fruit and plenty of acidity. Sweet and fragrant and with finely built, firm tannins. (WS)