Earthy aromas include tilled soil, underbrush, blue flower and wild berry. The firm, vibrant palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, cinnamon, Mediterranean herb and a licorice note alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018–2030.

Aged three years in large oak casks, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino shows spicy oak tones of cinnamon and crushed clove that make for a fitting precursor to dark fruit, plum and fresh prune. The quality of fruit is dark, powerful and persuasive. Claudia Padelletti's wine is masculine in approach and delivery. There are pretty undercurrents here of forest floor and button mushroom that give the wine a touch of rusticity and earthiness. The tannins are already smooth and polished. The wine really only needs a few more years to flesh out.- ML