2011 Rosso di Montalcino

Almost pale ruby. Noble, fine and a little opulent on the nose with hints of orange peel and green herbs. Supple, elegant mid-palate weight. Perhaps a tiny bit austere, but with ripe juicy fruit and grainy tannins on the finish. Ideally should be laid down for another year and is in need of food. Classic. (WS)

The 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is very pretty, and also atypically open for a young Biondi Santi Rosso, the result of an unusual vintage with a late summer heat spike that gave the wines an added level of radiance. Red stone fruits, flowers, mint and white pepper lift from a silky, racy Rosso that is likely to offer its best drinking sooner rather than later. I tasted the 2011 from tank the day before it was bottled.

The 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is a fascinating wine with bright and energetic fruit flavors that rise to the top of the bouquet with balanced intensity. The fruit nuances are particularly enhanced in this warm vintage. The wine drinks beautifully right now with smooth tannins, mild persistence and lasting cherry flavors. I could foresee a very successful pairing with roasted chicken or pasta al forno. Ultimately, the message here is one of simplicity, elegance and grace. This Rosso di Montalcino does a great job of keeping your palate refreshed. Mar 2016, www.robertparker.com