2010 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous. A super-classic profile of sweet red cherries, smoke, tobacco, cedar and wild herbs lift from the glass in a perfumed, silky Brunello that captures the essence of Sangiovese in this cool, late-ripening vintage. The 2010 is delicious today, but it can also be cellared for another 15-20 years. Le Ragnaie's 2010 will appeal to readers with an appreciation for Red Burgundy or Nebbiolo. The 2010 is a blend of fruit from three sources. About 50% of the fruit came from the Ragnaie property, while the rest of the fruit was sourced from vineyards in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, a combination that yields a wonderfully complete Brunello full of intrigue. (AG)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino shows easy lines with delicate nuances of red berry, bramble, rose petal, dusty earth, crushed mineral, licorice and grilled herb. No one element outweighs the others. The wine presents a delicate patchwork of Sangiovese nuances but does so in the most elegant and understated matter. Feminine in personality, the wine glides smoothly over the palate with gentle, polished tannins. This wine should show well in a few more years.

Mid ruby with orange tinges. Promising powerful nose and then poised and elegant on the palate. Lithe and finely balanced but it looks like the fireworks have been reserved for the estate’s Vecchie Vigne or old-vine cuvée? Certainly not for those looking for power in their Brunello. (WS)