2011 Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Rennina

Lustrous mid ruby with bright orange-tinged rim. Not exactly short on oak notes on the nose, but with real concentration of fruit underneath. Oak also a little dominant on the palate, but the whole certainly doesn't lack freshness. Hints of tobacco and bright cherry, matched with firm tannins, but less oak would have done more for me. Seductive, though. (WS)

Deep, concentrated ruby with orange tinges. Already a little progressed with fine oak notes and slumbering fruit. Elegant palate weight, and yet a full mouthful of fruit and with fantastic acidity and fine, powdery tannins. Long and intense. (WS)

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is made from a blend of fruit from three different vineyard parcels. The sites total 25 hectares, with 15 located next to the church, or the Pieve, after which this estate is named. The sites have southwest exposures and different soil types. That flexibility explains the smooth and seamless bouquet offered by this wine. Compared to the single vineyard Sugarille expression, Rennina is more open and immediate. The wine presents fleshy and beautifully plump aromas of red cherry, dried blackberry and exotic spice with tobacco and chocolate at the back.