2010 Brunello di Montalcino
The 2010 vintage in Brunello is widely considered by professional reviews to be one of the greatest. The growing conditions were near perfect, with ideal warmth during ripening and strong diurnal temperature swings that allowed for phenolic ripeness with retained acidity. The best show lush fruit, bright acidity and strong tannins, suggesting an aging potential of 10-20 years.
“2010 is the top Brunello di Montalcino vintage of the new millennium because it shows the best traits of my other two favorite vintages, 2006 and 2007, in tandem. It beautifully combines the freshness, structure, linearity and aging potential of 2006 with the intensity, opulence, balsam distinctiveness and tannic richness of 2007. In 2010 you get it all.” -Wine Advocate’s vintage report
“The year 2010 for Brunello di Montalcino is the greatest modern vintage of Italy’s most famous red wine region. Never have the wines been so profound in quality, character, and quantity from the best hillside vineyards of Montalcino. They represent a new paradigm for Tuscany’s unique sangiovese-based red.” -James Suckling
2010 Brunellos Available Here Now
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special
Case-12 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “So much dried-lemon and orange-peel character here. Wet leaf, wet earth, stone and lightly smoked meat. Full body, integrated tannins and a savory, tangy finish. Fleshy and yummy. Fabulous deal. Drink or hold on release.” JS
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Bright red cherries, plums, smoke, tobacco, flowers, cedar and spices are all beautifully delineated in the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino. Vibrant and lifted throughout, the 2010 captures the freshness of the vintage in spades. Already soft and accessible, the 2010 can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade or so.” AG
Wine Advocate 92 points “Caparzo’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a lush and voluptuous wine with soft cherry aromas at the front of spice, dark chocolate and toasted almond. The wine is more approachable in style with a drinking window that can offer pleasure to those too impatient to wait. The tannins are also more evolved and integrated for a more gentle approach. The finish is marked by an evident touch of vanilla from the oak.” WA
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
James Suckling 94 points “Very perfumed with flower, truffle, light wet earth and cherry character. Full body and full integrated ripe tannins and caresses your palate. Very fine and pretty. Slight soya undertone. Succulent and enticing. You want to drink this…”
Arriving in April
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 1.5L ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It’s so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph.” JS
Arriving in June
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Wonderful decadent aromas of musk, orange peel and plum follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a long and rich finish. Salty and savory. Layers of gorgeous fruit. Drink or hold.” JS
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special – sold out!
Wine Advocate 96 points “The outstanding 2010 Brunello di Montalcino gives you everything you want to see in a great wine, a great Tuscan wine. This monumental expression of Sangiovese delivers top-notch intensity with seamless integration of aromas. They span from dark fruit and Morello cherry to chocolate, spice, licorice, balsam herb and rosemary sprig. The energy and vitality of the vintage is locked perfectly within. This Brunello exhibits especially soft, silky tannins with long persistence and momentum. There is nothing out of place and the price tag is certainly not exaggerated for this level of excellence.” WA