2010 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly juicy and exuberant, with lovely overall resonance. Sweet red cherries, plums and stone fruits abound. Today, the flavors are remarkably primary, with fewer of the signature floral and spiced notes that are common. Although quite expressive and highly appealing today, the 2010 needs at least a few years in bottle to develop the full range of its aromatic nuance and complexity. A long, incredibly silky finish rounds things out beautifully. Brunelli's 2010 is all finesse. The 2010 is approximately 60% fruit from Podernovone and 40% from Le Chiuse di Sotto.

The beautiful 2010 Brunello di Montalcino delivers an impressive level of balance, elegance and intensity. All those qualities work harmoniously together to form the well-toned personality of this territory-driven wine. The wine walks with light footprints and nothing about it is too powerful or overdone. In fact, Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto has crafted the kind of wine that caresses the palate with impressive complexity, but that also makes a good companion to a large range of oven-rosted or grilled dishes. The mouthfeel is compact and extremely focused.

Mid ruby with orange rim. Damp earth, liquorice powder and undergrowth underpinned by brooding sweet-sour cherry. Quite tight palate with clinging, firm tannins. Still a little unsettled for the moment. Gripping, tannic finish with lots of fruit and real depth. (WS)