2007 Brunello di Montalcino Dieci

Pertimali's 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Dieci leads off with balsamic-infused black cherry and sweet strawberry, along with minty herbs, as notes of damp earth, crushed stone, and dried floral tones build. On the palate, soft, almost-fleshy textures usher in ripe red and black fruits, giving way to saturating minerality and spice, with slow-mounting tannins firming the experience, as inner florals toward the close provide lift. There are depths here that are yet unseen, the wine having been reserved in barrels for this release, yet I don't find that the extended aging gets at all in the way; instead it balances the ripeness of the vintage. Even with its tannic clout, the 2007 Dieci is drinking beautifully today, and I expect that it would open even further if decanted. Fans of the Pertimali style will not be disappointed.

Released one decade after the harvest, the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Dieci is a one-off wine meant to celebrate an exceptional vintage. The aging process sees 48 months in large Slavonian oak casks and the wine then rests in the bottle for the remaining years before its release. Only 8,000 bottles are available. The bouquet clearly shows tertiary aromas of licorice and tar, but the wine also has dark berry and dried cherry at its core. The finish is smooth and silky. The tannins have had considerable time to integrate. The wine still has life within and should continue its slow evolution.

A silky and pretty wine with sliced berry, light chocolate powder and hazelnut. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins. Lovely cedar, sandalwood and tobacco flavors at the finish. A beauty. Drink now.