The 2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino is a distinguished red wine from Tuscany, Italy, crafted from the Sangiovese Grosso varietal. Known for its robust yet elegant profile, this vintage has received acclaim from various esteemed wine reviewers.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes the wine as "one of the very best wines I have tasted here in recent years" and gives it a score of 94. Galloni highlights the expressive flavors of "dark red cherries, mint, game, smoke, tobacco, and licorice" in a "mid-weight, very classic feeling Brunello long on class and personality." He notes that the 2010 vintage, while typically big, is "a bit pulled back, and striking," with "big yet silky tannins" framing an "intense finish."
Monica Larner from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awards it a score of 93, praising its combination of "intensity and elegance all in the same delicious package." Larner points out the wine's "long succession of aromas" ranging from "ripe fruit, to smoked meat, to grilled herb and soft spice," with "delicate tones of licorice, cola, and anise seed" adding vibrancy. The wine's "softness and structure" suggest significant aging potential, making it appealing for those who enjoy "earthy and leathery notes."
Wine Spectator's review, which scores the wine 96, emphasizes its "effusive aromas of incense, green olive, sweet strawberry and cherry, licorice and leather." The review notes that the tannins are "on the beefy side," but the wine "finishes long, with enough fruit and spice for balance." The best drinking window is suggested to be from 2018 through 2032.
James Suckling awards a near-perfect score of 99, describing the wine as "Absolutely stunning" with "aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plum, flower, licorice and mushroom." Suckling highlights its "full body with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity," calling it "powerful and structured but shows a gorgeous finesse and length."
Tracey Rose from JJ Buckley gives the wine a score of 95, noting its balance of "power and grace." Rose describes the nose as revealing "layers of complex aromas with incense, coffee, licorice and a sauvage earthiness," complemented by "vibrant red cherry fruit marked by cola nut and spice." She praises the "silky" texture and "melting" tannins leading to a "long and persistent finish."
In summary, the 2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino is a robust and elegant wine with a complex array of flavors and significant aging potential, receiving accolades for its depth, balance, and expressive character.
