The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino will blow you away. This is a delightful expression that boasts its extreme quality from the minute the wine is poured from the bottle. As you should expect, it just gets better and better with each additional minute in the glass. It opens to a vibrant dark ruby color and blackish-garnet hues. The bouquet is ever changing and shows a long succession of aromatic characteristics that rage from dark fruit, plum, spice, leather, licorice, red rose, balsam and grilled herb. It's textbook Brunello from a great vintage and this side of the appellation (on the northeastern side) performs fantastically in 2010. This beauty should hold fifteen years or more. - Monica Larner

A ripe, rich, intense wine with blackberry, plum and mineral character that goes to mushroom and peppermint. Full body, fine tannins and a juicy finish. So long and beautiful. Absolutely delicious now, but will be even better in three or four years.

Aromas of dark berry, mint, savory herb, blue flower and a balsamic note lead the nose. On the concentrated palate, notes of white pepper, cinnamon, clove, licorice and tobacco add depth to the black cherry core. Youthfully austere but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity support the juicy flavors. Give this time to open and develop complexity.

A solid red, displaying cooked plum and cherry flavors on a bed of dense tannins. Tight and compact on the finish, where youthful, exuberant tannins reign. Stays long and balanced in the end. Best from 2019 through 2034. – BS