Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, leather and tilled earth aromas unfold in the glass. The full-bodied, elegant palate offers mature black cherry, black raspberry, ground pepper, anise and chopped mint framed in ripe, tightly packed tannins. It's young and assertive, but also balanced, with real aging potential. Drink 2020–2035.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the best wine I have tasted from Padelletti, a boutique winery from Montalcino that often falls under the radar. The wine offers an elegant and complete portrait of Sangiovese with tight aromas of wild berry, spice, licorice and balsam herb. In the mouth, it presents fine tannins, cooling acidity and determined power. The finish is polished and long in consistency. Very distant notes of clove and cardamom appear at the very back. - Monica Larner