2010 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

A dark, powerful wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is endowed with serious depth and intensity. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, licorice and dark fleshed fruits are some of the signatures. This is an especially dark, brooding Brunello with massive fruit but less of the sheer radiance of the straight Pianrosso. Today, the 2010 comes across as a bit heavy. It will be interesting to see if acquires more finesse during its aging. The 2010 spent four full years in cask.

Tasted blind. Maturing ruby with orange rim. A little bit candied on the nose, but otherwise shy. Quite rich and ripe on the palate with fine acidity on the finish. Richer style of Brunello with plenty of ripe fruit and serious tannins. (WS)

With so many fantastic wines produced in 2010, it's hard to make a shortlist of your favorites. One expression that should definitely be included is the stunning 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro. This is a graceful and super elegant wine with bold aromatic intensity that is followed by firm tannins and a polished, smooth texture. It offers power in the proverbial silken glove. But the wine is not simplistic by any stretch. The longer it warms in the glass, the more it delights and surprises. Delicate tones of wild berry, cassis, blanched almond and dried ginger work together in harmony. Mar 2016, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2017-2035