Fabulous aromas of blackberries, Chinese mushrooms, violets and stones. A touch of toasted oak, too. Full body and powerful tannins, yet this remains polished and balanced. Seamless and endless finish. Such great depth and complexity. Needs two or three years more of bottle age. Open in 2020.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark, brooding and powerful wine. It shows immediate richness and evident complexity with spice, tobacco, cured meat and dried blackberry or plum. This a gorgeous wine that is only at the beginning of a long aging evolution. This wine is absolutely impeccable on all levels. It delivers stunning intensity, power, integrity and balance. The aromatic momentum continues to grow and becomes steadily more expansive and complete as the wine takes on more air in the glass. I was absolutely blown away by this Riserva. It confirms my conviction that Andrea Cortonesi is one of Brunello's most talented winemakers. I suggest waiting five years or more before opening this bottle. - Monica Larner

Saturated with cherry, black currant and floral notes, this red evokes licorice, wild herb and stone accents. Solidly built, yet refined, with a Burgundian quality common to many ’10 Riservas. Shows superb balance and extraordinary length. Best from 2018 through 2035. From Italy. — B.S.

There's a lot to like on this bold, fragrant wine, starting with aromas of leather, scorched earth, grilled herb and ripe black-skinned fruit. The hearty palate offers mouthfuls of juicy black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, vanilla and cinnamon framed in robust, velvety tannins. The fruit richness seamlessly offsets the hefty abv. Drink 2018–2025. - Kerin O’Keefe