Boasting a much thicker and masculine persona, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a black-garnet color and immediate aromatic intensity. The bouquet peels back with thick layers of dried blackberry, smoke, leather, spice, tobacco and Spanish cedar. On the Brunello aromatic scale, this wine veers closer to oak spice instead of balsam herb or licorice. Crushed stone and pencil shavings make for elegant contours. In the mouth, this Brunello is very soft and malleable. This wine is suitable for medium and long-term drinking. - Monica Larner