This smells like beef bouillon, picking up pure cherry and plum fruit on the palate, along with savory elements. Lean, with well-integrated tannins and a long, meaty finish of tobacco and earth. Best from 2018 through 2030. 20,000 cases made.

Earthy aromas suggest tilled soil, savory herb, leather, dried rose and a whiff of game. The bright palate offers crushed cherry, black raspberry, savory herb and white pepper alongside polished tannins. It’s well balanced and fresh. A licorice note signals the close.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly subdued on first nose and a little unsteady on its feet at this young stage. Give it time and the wine gracefully brings out a long chorus line of aromas that hit the high notes and well and the low ones in slow increments. The bouquet is redolent of small forest berry, white ash, smoke, licorice, balsam herb and delicate spice. It's important to underline the extremely elegant and feminine personality of this wine. This Brunello has no place to go but up in terms of its complexity and evolution. Put it aside for at least five more years before popping the cork. - Monica Larner