2010 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is already quite forward, which makes this a solid choice for drinking over the next few years. Worn-in leather, tobacco, smoke, cedar and dried cherries all open up in the glass. The tannins are formidable, but I suspect the fruit will fade before they fully soften, so the 2010 is probably best enjoyed sooner rather than later. A brief decant is recommended to help the wine find its center.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino shows ethereal tones of licorice, dried cherry and pressed violets from the outset. These are quintessential Sangiovese aromas that ground this wine to an impressive sense of varietal pureness. Its ace card is elegance and this is especially well played in the 2010 vintage. Another quality of the wine is the beautifully delicate way it evolves in the glass to deliver slow moving tones of licorice, cola and grilled herb. This Brunello shows a medium build followed by very long persistence. You don't get power or muscle here, instead you get elegance and finesse. It should be great to see how this wine evolves over the next 10-15 years.
Pale ruby with orange rim. Developed nose of undergrowth and tobacco leaf. Quite lightweight palate lacking the concentration of a proper Brunello. (WS)