Vintage 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tasting Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach

“The funny thing is, wine is turning out to be a great investment. I couldn’t believe what happened with the value of my wine futures. I pinched myself and asked, ‘Did I just make more money on wine barrel futures than I did on the stock market?”

Suze Orman

The 2010 vintage from Montalcino may not outperform the stock market in terms of an investment but it is one of the best investments you can make in the Sangiovese varietal as this is one of the best vintages that I have ever tasted on release from Montalcino and conduct an annual tasting with this wine every year since I have owned the store and that goes back to 1998.

The 2010 vintage is so hot right now in Montalcino that we are conducting a second tasting to showcase the newest releases from Tuscany's most sought after wine, Brunello Di Montalcino.  These wines are by law released after 5 years and the new vintage is just starting to reach the US shores.  The riservas will not be here until next March at the earliest so we will get another wave of these outstanding wines next year but I can’t imagine them being twice as good as these wines below.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of the greatest wines of Italy and some would argue that it is one of the greatest wines on the planet.  This is one of the only places that produces compelling examples of the Sangiovese grape in 100% varietal form.

We have been blessed with quite a few outstanding vintages over the last decade with 2002 and 2003 being the only two lackluster efforts.  The 2010 vintage is being touted as one of the best harvests in recent years and we have an outstanding review of this vintage penned by Monica Larner from The Wine Advocate after the tasting wines.

Join us as we experience the latest releases from some of our favorite producers.  The Chef at Scarpetta will be making a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines and the fee for this event is $150 + tax + Gratuity, for Reservations call 954-523-9463.

2010 Brunello Di Montalcino Tasting at Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau
Thursday, July 2nd 2015
7:30pm

2010 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $67.50       Sale $59.40          Case $689

(93+ Points)  Altesino's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino stands proud among its peers. No other wine I tasted among the new releases in Montalcino achieves this unique level of aromatic finesse and distinction. The bouquet is almost purely floral in character with a strong emphasis on pressed rose petal, dried violets and potpourri. The fruit tones are less emphatic and include bright cherry and red currant. In the mouth, the wine's compressed texture is accented by fennel seed and licorice. the 2009 vintage had more power and heat, but this version shows elegant restraint.

Guido Orzalesi's Altesino has reached a new level of excellence in 2010. The wines of this historic estate have long been recognized for their extreme elegance and finesse. The excellent conditions of the vintage have conspired to bring even more distinction to the estate. Altesino's Ace card is its land. The estate owns some of the most spectacular vineyard sites in the appellation including the legendary Montosoli cru. Thanks to the optimal growing conditions, the estate's fruit is more expressive than I have ever tasted.

2010 Poggio Antico Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG
Price: $95.00       Sale $83.60          Case $969

(97 Points) "A beautifully balanced, subtle Brunello with plum, berry, spice and fresh-mahogany character. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a long finish. Very intense and harmonious. This is always a beauty. Drink or hold." James Suckling -

2010 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $60.00       Sale $52.80          Case $612

A beautiful nose of red cherry berry fruit, concentrated and rich with notes of flowers, black spices, anise and porcini mushroom notes, underbrush, sage and more. Thick and viscous on the tongue with a solid core of red berry fruit laced with herbs, flowers and red licorice spices with a strong hand of acidity holding things together, classic vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. Finish 50+ Most Excellent

2010 Camigliano Brunello Di Montalcino
Price: $52.50       Sale $46.20          Case $536

(92 Points)  From one of the most time-tested estates in Montalcino, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a beautiful appearance that is dark ruby and saturated, but not exaggeratedly extracted. In fact, the 2010 vintage is noticeably more elegant and feminine compared to past vintages from Camigliano that produces wine that often taste jammy and overripe. In fact, the mouthfeel doesn't even offer the obvious fruit you might expect. Instead, it shows a tight weave of spice, rosemary oil and blackcurrant. This wine is all about small details and needs a few more years to complete its evolution.-ML Wine Advocate

2010 Col D'Orcia Brunello Di Montalcino (375ml)
Price: $40.25       Sale $35.42          Case $411 (12 bottles)

(90 Points) "Fruit and floral flavors are at the forefront of this charming, supple red. Firms up on the finish, where cherry and tobacco notes mingle. Best from 2014 through 2020." Wine Spectator

2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $70.00       Sale $61.60          Case $714.00

(94 points)   Donatella Cinelli Colombini's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino makes a big and pleasurable impact on all the senses. First, it hits the nose with a wonderful medley of ripe, dark fruit, spice, tar, tobacco, leather and dried herbs. The wine is impeccably made and the quality of fruit is outstanding. Ultimately, your patronage of this brand depends on whether you like this bold, softer style. If you do, this Brunello delivers satisfaction in spades. Fleshy oak tones of cinnamon and clove round off the finish. It is extremely soft and smooth to the touch. This wine can be enjoyed in the near or long-term.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

2010 Castigliano Del Bosco Brunello Di Montalcino
Price: $101.75   Sale $86.49          Case $1038

(98 points)  The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and fruit-forward expression that bursts with energy and red fruit intensity even at this young stage in the wine's life. Thick layers of cherry, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cinnamon give the wine a bold, opulent personality. The tannins are super tame and docile, even for this more structured vintage. The wine boasts a medium build with bright garnet and ruby highlights. I think Castiglion del Bosco does a great job of executing and delivering this softer style of Brunello that works so well as a companion to the hearty, wintery foods we love most. You can drink it in the near or long term. It has that level of aging flexibility. The 2010 vintage is a great one to taste and buy. Massimo Ferragamo's Castiglion del Bosco shows the fruits of hard labor and major winery investments with the 2010 vintage. This stellar vintage shows us what his vineyards are capable of because the quality of fruit is so good. I can't wait to try the vineyard-designate Campo del Drago Brunello that was not ready at the time of my tasting. The house style favors softness and opulence, but this vintage adds the structure and brightness for truly great wines and longer drinking windows. (2/2015) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2010 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $80.00    Sale $70.40            Case $816

(94 Points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous expression that will appeal to those who adore the softer and spicier side of Sangiovese. Bold cherry and blackberry stand to immediate attention with secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar and cinnamon in quick succession. The wine delivers more in terms of boldness and power than it does complexity but the overall effect works beautifully considering the quality of fruit in 2010. The style is upfront and bold with deep layers of richness and opulence. The wine is appropriate for medium-term consumption and would pair beautifully with stewed meats.

Sandro Chia's Castello Romitorio is constantly thinking up new wines and new ways of expressing Sangiovese. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is the winery's newest addition and shows a sophisticated winemaking style that prizes oak-forward intensity with toasted vanilla notes and profound softness.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

2010 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello Di Montalcino
Price: $101.75    Sale $89.54          Case $1038

(98 points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino will blow you away. This is a delightful expression that boasts its extreme quality from the minute the wine is poured from the bottle. As you should expect, it just gets better and better with each additional minute in the glass. It opens to a vibrant dark ruby color and blackish-garnet hues. The bouquet is ever changing and shows a long succession of aromatic characteristics that rage from dark fruit, plum, spice, leather, licorice, red rose, balsam and grilled herb. It's textbook Brunello from a great vintage and this side of the appellation (on the northeastern side) performs fantastically in 2010. This beauty should hold fifteen years or more. (ML) (2/2015)  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $150.00    Sale $132.00                        Case $1530
Quantity in Stock: 12

(99 points)  Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plums and flowers. Licorice and mushroom It's full body, with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity. Such beautiful length and beauty to this wine. It's powerful and structured yet shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal. Better in 2016. James Suckling  (12/ 2014)

 

Menu

amuse bouche BURRATA
broccoli rabe pesto, heirloom tomatoes, basil & arugula

MEDITERRANEAN OCTOPUS
potatoes, capers, olives, ceci beans & eggplant crema

CREAMY POLENTA
fricassee of trued mushrooms

RISSOTTO
gizzards, liver, saron, liquorice & fennel

GRILLED COLORADO LAMB RACK
stued zucchini, fava bean, pecorino & rosemary jus

“TIRAMISU”
coee, mascarpone & salted caramel gelato

CHOCOLATE ZEPPOLE
nutella center, vanilla anglaise & hazelnuts

 

There will be a tasting menu to complement the wines and the fee for this event is $150 ++, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

 

 

A bit about the 2010 Vintage from the Wine Advocate:

 

Italy, Tuscany: Two Perfect Opposites - 2010 Brunello di Montalcino
February 27, 2015

The soaring beauty of 2010 Brunello di Montalcino reaches its highest expression in two wines that occupy polar sides of the Sangiovese stylistic spectrum. Each one scored a perfect 100 points. This happy marriage of opposites demonstrates how contrary forces are actually complementary and interconnected. This tangible duality is presented with seamless integration in the 2010 vintage: They are my yin to your yang, my Burgundy to your Bordeaux, my botte grande to your barrique or my grace to your power.

The 2010 vintage is iconic for Montalcino and the reason is, simply put, it shows the amazing versatility of the Sangiovese grape with a level of clarity that I have never encountered. This vintage restores my confidence in a grape variety that has been both overhyped and underappreciated, sometimes at the same time. It marks a symbolic end to the awkward growing pains experienced in 2008 with Brunellopoli. That scandal proved to be the ultimate insult to Sangiovese's integrity. Illegal grapes were added fraudulently to Brunello, suggesting that Sangiovese was no longer able to sustain the momentum that Montalcino had achieved in terms of international prestige, top-shelf pricing and cellar ageability. As a wine critic, I too have voiced my nagging annoyance at what I have dubbed "Sangiovese exceptionalism." I eyed Sangiovese with growing suspicion.

The 2010 vintage, on the other hand, makes a firm case for Sangiovese supremacy. It removes any lingering doubt surrounding this mighty Tuscan protagonist. It shows that when climatic conditions, temperature, environment, territory and winemaker line up in perfect formation, Sangiovese delivers on its lofty promises. More importantly, the 2010 vintage argues that Sangiovese should not be classified exclusively by territory (mapping pedological subzones within the Montalcino appellation is the hot topic of conversation today). In other words, it makes little sense to generalize the performance of one subzone (Torrenieri, Sant'Angelo in Colle, Castelnuovo dell'Abate or Montalcino proper among others) and rank it empirically against another. I found that excellent wines are peppered throughout the territory irrespective of subzones. The 2010 vintage forced me to conclude that the ultimate ranking of quality Brunello is based on your trust in the producer who made it.

My yin and yang 100-point wines are the Il Marroneto 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie and the Casanova di Neri 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova. Close on their heels are the Canalicchio di Sopra 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (98 points), the Cerbaiona 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (98 points), the Il Poggione 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (98 points), the Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso (97 points), Pieve Santa Restituta 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina (97 points), Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (97 points), Uccelliera 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (97 points), Le Ragnaie 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Fornace (96 points), Altesino 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli (96 points), San Filippo 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucére (96 points), Sesta di Sopra 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (96 points) and Mastrojanni 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (96 points). A large group of wines scored 95 points including wines made by Agostina Pieri, Argiano, Caparzo, Casato 1, Castello Banfi, Castello Romitorio, Renieri and Valdicava. Another large group of wines scored in the 92 to 94 point range. These are certainly the highest scores I have assigned to Brunello in the 11 straight years that I have tasted through the area's entire production.

The Yin Wine

Il Marroneto's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie represents what many wine lovers refer to as traditional Brunello. This style captures the feminine side of Sangiovese with a bright ruby color, leaner extract and a buoyant lift to the bouquet largely characterized by ethereal tones of balsam herb, cola and menthol. This style of Brunello is often generalized by the use of large oak casks made with Slovenian oak. This larger vessel provides for less surface area against the wood and a slower oxidative process to guide the wine's evolution. These wines can sometimes be sharper and more linear on the palate, but they soften slowly for long cellar aging. In the case of Il Marroneto, fruit is harvested from the two-hectare Madonna delle Grazie cru adjacent to a 12th-century chapel on the northern wall of the Montalcino township. The vines are located 400 meters above sea level in primarily sandy limestone soils. Lighter soils lead to more efficient water drainage for smaller, more compact clusters and steep diurnal temperature shifts lead to greater intensity both in terms of color and aromas. Proprietor Alessandro Mori says, "By allowing temperatures to fluctuate naturally, the wine feels the change of season from inside the oak cask. It feels the outside pressure, temperature and, thanks to the porousness of the wood, it evolves accordingly." That is why, he says, each one of his wines is marked so extremely by the vintage it represents.

The Yang Wine

Casanova di Neri's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova represents what many refer to as modern Brunello. This style captures the masculine side of Sangiovese with an impenetrable dark appearance, thicker concentration and a horizontal delivery of aromas that include dark fruit, Morello cherry, spice, tobacco, truffle, tar and grilled herbs. This style is generally achieved with the use of smaller French oak barrels such as barrique or tonneaux. The diminutive size means more wine-to-wood surface area and a greater influence by the toasted notes found inside the barrel. It also aids in faster, controlled oxidation for rounder tannins and a more pleasurable, softer or immediate taste profile. These qualities also set the stage for long aging potential. In the case of Casanova di Neri, proprietor Giacomo Neri pays special attention to the ripening process in the vineyard to make sure sugar and phenolic ripeness are achieved in unison. The south-facing Tenuta Nuova vineyard is located at 270 to 320 meters above sea level with homogeneous clay and limestone soils. This heavier soil profile contributes to the power, heft and determination of the wine. "Even before the harvest as I tasted berries off the vine, I could recognize that 2010 was a special year thanks to the aromas, sweetness and the crunchiness of the grape skins," he says: "I wish I could harvest that 2010 fruit again."

The 2010 Vintage

In my view, 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. The wines were difficult to taste at this young stage because so much of their potential will be realized as they evolve. In this respect, 2010 Brunello heavily reminded me of my Barolo tastings: Part of your score is derived from the glass before you and another part from a crystal ball. This is the most Nebbiologgiante Sangiovese I have yet to sample. But like Barolo, these wines are eternally seductive even at this young stage. Producers with the best vineyard sites, the oldest deeply rooted vines and the most experience showed exceptional results. But 2010 also delivers disappointing wines from other producers who practice less intimacy with their vines. As there were great wines in 2010, there are also mediocre results. In fact, my scores are more polarized between high and low numbers in 2010 compared to 2006 or 2007 that showed more uniform scoring. Francesco Ripaccioli of Canalicchio di Sopra thinks 2010 is very similar to 1997: "The only difference," he says: "Is we have 13 more years of growing experience."

The 2010 growing season saw good rainfall and warm spring temperatures for even bud break. Leaf canopies and cluster growth was spurred along by May showers and warm temperatures. The summer months saw good heat that averaged in the low-90s Fahrenheit at the warmest points. But deep root systems nourished by good underground water reserves helped to keep ripeness on track. Harvest saw optimal grape maturity, dry conditions and steady temperatures that gave growers the luxury to pick fruit in tranquility.

Future Vintages

The 2011 vintage is a warm one and initial barrel sampling does reveal jammy tones with darker colors and denser extract. These wines feel heavier on the senses. Summer saw scorching temperatures that caused rapid, sometimes unchecked ripening. Harvest came early and fast. The 2012 vintage is already being compared to the iconic 2010 vintage thanks to its optimal growing conditions. Temperature spikes were moderate and the growing season proved long and steady. Although June and July saw much higher temperatures, many producers claim that the vines had time to adjust and did not suffer heat stress. The 2013 vintage is characterized by heavy rainfall in both late winter and spring. Some spots reported problems with downy mildew. The harvest was late and the wines already show thinner colors and higher acidity. This past vintage, 2014, was very challenging with summer temperatures that remained far below average. Cloudy skies and summer rains caused disease and loss of fruit. Harvest was late and many producers have already sworn off production of their Riservas and vineyard selection wines.  The Wine Advocate —Monica Larner

 

Other 2010 Vintage Brunello di Montalcino available:

2010 Brizio Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $56.00       Sale $49.28          Case $571

(90 Points) "Podere Brizio's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is an excellent choice for near and medium-term drinking. Cedar, worn-in leather, smoke, tobacco, game and licorice are some of the notes that jump from the glass. Rich, ample and expressive on the palate, the 2010 has plenty of personality and character. The 2010 is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it nevertheless possesses plenty of character. " Vinous / Antonio Galloni

2010 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino (3-liter)
Price: $445.00   Sale $391.60
Quantity in Stock: 1

2010 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino (Magnum)
Price: $185.00    Sale $162.80
Quantity in Stock: 8

2010 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $101.75    Sale $89.54          Case $1038
Quantity in Stock: 14

2010 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino (375ml)
Price: $48.75    Sale $42.90
Quantity in Stock: 8

(98 points)  The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino will blow you away. This is a delightful expression that boasts its extreme quality from the minute the wine is poured from the bottle. As you should expect, it just gets better and better with each additional minute in the glass. It opens to a vibrant dark ruby color and blackish-garnet hues. The bouquet is ever changing and shows a long succession of aromatic characteristics that rage from dark fruit, plum, spice, leather, licorice, red rose, balsam and grilled herb. It's textbook Brunello from a great vintage and this side of the appellation (on the northeastern side) performs fantastically in 2010. This beauty should hold fifteen years or more. (ML) 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino will blow you away. This is a delightful expression that boasts its extreme quality from the minute the wine is poured from the bottle. As you should expect, it just gets better and better with each additional minute in the glass. It opens to a vibrant dark ruby color and blackish-garnet hues. The bouquet is ever changing and shows a long succession of aromatic characteristics that rage from dark fruit, plum, spice, leather, licorice, red rose, balsam and grilled herb. It's textbook Brunello from a great vintage and this side of the appellation (on the northeastern side) performs fantastically in 2010. This beauty should hold fifteen years or more. (ML) (2/ 2015)  (2/ 2015)

2010 Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $52.50       Sale $46.20          Case $536

(92 Points)  From one of the most time-tested estates in Montalcino, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a beautiful appearance that is dark ruby and saturated, but not exaggeratedly extracted. In fact, the 2010 vintage is noticeably more elegant and feminine compared to past vintages from Camigliano that produces wine that often taste jammy and overripe. In fact, the mouthfeel doesn't even offer the obvious fruit you might expect. Instead, it shows a tight weave of spice, rosemary oil and blackcurrant. This wine is all about small details and needs a few more years to complete its evolution.-ML Wine Advocate

2010 Casanova Di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova
List Price: $149.00      Your Price: $131.12
Quantity in Stock: 9

(100 points)   The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a protagonist of the vintage. The fruit is deep and dark with rich levels of extract, intensity and flavor. It goes far beyond your standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped prune. Nothing is obvious or monochromatic about this wine. Everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova is also distinguished by the linear mineral notes that are characteristic of this single-vineyard site. In 2010, those traits are especially well-defined and pronounced. The tannins reach a level of suppleness that is almost impossible to find in the sometimes prickly and acidic Sangiovese grape. If there is one thing Giacomo Neri has mastered, it is harvesting at optimal ripeness: He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows. Collectors will want to put this wine aside ten years or longer.  eRobertParker.com #217,
Feb 2015

 

2010 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $80.00    Sale $70.40            Case $816
Quantity in Stock: 27

2010 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino (3 Liter)
Price: $385.00    Sale $338.80
Quantity in Stock: 1

(94 Points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous expression that will appeal to those who adore the softer and spicier side of Sangiovese. Bold cherry and blackberry stand to immediate attention with secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar and cinnamon in quick succession. The wine delivers more in terms of boldness and power than it does complexity but the overall effect works beautifully considering the quality of fruit in 2010. The style is upfront and bold with deep layers of richness and opulence. The wine is appropriate for medium-term consumption and would pair beautifully with stewed meats.

Sandro Chia's Castello Romitorio is constantly thinking up new wines and new ways of expressing Sangiovese. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is the winery's newest addition and shows a sophisticated winemaking style that prizes oak-forward intensity with toasted vanilla notes and profound softness.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta
Price: $117.00    Sale $102.96        Case $1194
Quantity in Stock: 13

(95 Points)  Depicting Capri's Grotta Azzurra on the label, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is an oak-driven expression with elaborate tones of cinnamon, vanilla and roasted coffee bean that wrap thickly around fruity tones of blackberry and blackcurrant. The wine is soft and yielding with a rich embroidery of soft tannins and pulpy fruit extraction. There is that characteristic touch of bright acidity you get with Sangiovese. This pretty Brunello delivers all the qualities needed for medium and long-term drinking. It does need another two or three years of bottle aging however to fully flesh out.

Sandro Chia's Castello Romitorio is constantly thinking up new wines and new ways of expressing Sangiovese. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is the winery's newest addition and shows a sophisticated winemaking style that prizes oak-forward intensity with toasted vanilla notes and profound softness.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $51.75       Sale $45.54          Case $528

(94 Points) "The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and fruit-forward expression that bursts with energy and red fruit intensity even at this young stage in the wine's life. Thick layers of cherry, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cinnamon give the wine a bold, opulent personality. The tannins are super tame and docile, even for this more structured vintage. The wine boasts a medium build with bright garnet and ruby highlights. I think Castiglion del Bosco does a great job of executing and delivering this softer style of Brunello that works so well as a companion to the hearty, wintery foods we love most. You can drink it in the near or long term. It has that level of aging flexibility. The 2010 vintage is a great one to taste and buy."

 

2010 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $54.00       Sale $47.52          Case $551
Quantity in Stock: 22

2010 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino (375ml)
Price: $28.00       Sale $24.64          Case $286
Quantity in Stock: 36

(94+ Points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino represents a return to the traditional values of Montalcino. The bouquet is buoyant and bright with lingering tones of smoke, ash, balsam herb, licorice and soy sauce. Those kinds of aromas make Brunello such a wonderful wine and thankfully you get them in abundance here. Dry mineral and brimstone also give the wine a sense of focus, sharpness and cleanliness that is very appealing. The close is long, fine and polished. I look forward to retasting this bottle five years from now.

One of the stars of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone, this historic estate in family hands for generations has beautifully interpreted the 2010 vintage. Among its most precious assets is the Pianrosso vineyard with southwest exposures and medium, reddish soils peppered with galestro stones. Vines are planted at 240 to 360 meters above sea level and have benefited from diurnal temperature shifts that spark such energy, vitality and buoyancy in the bouquet of its wines. The 2010 Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso is the best yet. eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne
List Price: $90.00        Your Price: $79.20
Quantity in Stock: 24

(93 points)  Representing a special selection of fruit, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne is a dark and well-extracted wine with dark tones of cherry and blackberry backed by leather, tobacco and tar. The fruit on display is sweet and plump and you definitely get a sense of the wine's youth and its potential to evolve. Donatella Cinelli Colombini has done a very good job of matching her bolder winemaking style to the high quality of fruit on display here. Plush endnotes of sweet spice, cinnamon and toasted vanilla give the wine an international twist. I found Prime Donne to be slightly less expressive than the base Brunello from the same vintage. The wine needs a little longer to open. eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $78.75       Sale $69.30          Case $804
Quantity in Stock: 1

(97 Points) “Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give the red a wonderful juiciness. It dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold.”  JamesSuckling.com, December 2014

 

2010 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $59.75       Sale $52.58          Case $610

A beautiful nose of red cherry berry fruit, concentrated and rich with notes of flowers, black spices, anise and porcini mushroom notes, underbrush, sage and more. Thick and viscous on the tongue with a solid core of red berry fruit laced with herbs, flowers and red licorice spices with a strong hand of acidity holding things together, classic vintage for Brunello. Finish 50+ Most Excellent

2010 Luce Della Vite Brunello di Montalcino
List Price: $117.00       Your Price: $102.96
Quantity in Stock: 5

(100 Points)“Very powerful aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom, iron, spice, and lightly grilled meat. Full body, layers of fruit and earth character. Decadent and intense. It's a phenomenal wine. Incredibly layered and muscular. Is it better than the legendary 2006? Built for aging. Better in 2018.JamesSuckling.com, December 2014”

 

2010 Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille
Price: $209.25    Sale $184.14        Case $2135
Quantity in Stock: 5

(96 Points)  The Gaja family's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille opens to striking intensity and beauty that is apparent even as you pour the wine from the bottle. The wine's appearance is dark and so perfectly saturated with dark garnet and ruby highlights. On the nose, it shows infinite aromas of dark fruit, plum, dried figs, licorice, grilled herbs, cola and so much more. The complexity is outstanding. The Sugarille single vineyard delivers power and structure that gives this wine such a firm presence on the palate. But you also get a great sense of the quality of fruit that was harvested in 2010. Angelo Gaja skipped the 2009 vintage. But this vintage makes up for the loss with its long aging potential. This is an amazing wine to put way at the back of your cellar for ten years or more. What a delight.

Angelo Gaja and his family have released two masterpieces from their Montalcino cellars (after skipping the 2009 vintage). These are amazing wines that stand out in a blind tasting thanks to their infinite extract, density and all-round excellence. They follow an elaborately developed house style that applies to Gaja's efforts in Piedmont and Bolgheri as well. These two Brunellos are more marked by the "Gaja" touch than the Montalcino signature. The personalized winemaking style overrides the territory-driven typicity. But no matter: These wines are simply delicious. eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

 

2010 La Pieve Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $102.00    Sale $89.76          Case $1040

(87 Points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a full-bodied expression with cherry, blackberry and spice that rise with determination from the glass. This vintage shows a ripe quality to the fruit that is transmitted with pulses of dried fig, cured meat, smoked ham and teriyaki. You might identify a touch of curry leaf and saffron that add an exotic twist. My suspicion is that the wine shows a distant touch of brett that could worsen with time. For this reason I am moving the drinking window forward and am showing caution in my score.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Rennina
Price: $191.25    Sale $168.30        Case $1951
Quantity in Stock: 13

(97 Points)  An outstanding surprise, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a monumental wine. The Rennina single vineyard is said to be more feminine compared to the bolder fruit sourced in the nearby Sugarille cru. But in the 2010 vintage, you definitely get a compelling sense of power, density and extraction. What distinguishes the wine is the delicate mineral signature that appears through the thick texture of the fruit. It's like background music that gives cozy ambiance to an elaborately furnished ballroom. I consider the 2010 Rennina a masterpiece and, again, I just don't know how Angelo Gaja does it. He is the winemaker with the Midas touch. Truth be told, the wine does lack territory-driven typicity. But it's just so darn good, it hardly matters. It will continue its evolution for 10-20 years. Congratulations.

Angelo Gaja and his family have released two masterpieces from their Montalcino cellars (after skipping the 2009 vintage). These are amazing wines that stand out in a blind tasting thanks to their infinite extract, density and all-round excellence. They follow an elaborately developed house style that applies to Gaja's efforts in Piedmont and Bolgheri as well. These two Brunellos are more marked by the "Gaja" touch than the Montalcino signature. The personalized winemaking style overrides the territory-driven typicity. But no matter: These wines are simply delicious.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

2010 Le Potazzine Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $68.25       Sale $60.06          Case $697

(94 points)  Savory and seductively spicy, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautifully expressive wine with loads of aromatic intensity that ranges from ethereal balsam herb to cured meat to dark berry fruit. Earthy tones and crushed minerals fill in the back, but the main part of the bouquet is dominated by rich fruit. The results are truly stunning with meaningful and long persistency on the palate. This Brunello is already at a good point in its evolution and is already very generous. You can probably start to enjoy it following three or four years of cellar aging. Le Potazzine gets its name from the little birds that migrate to this corner of Tuscany throughout the year. The Gorelli family farms various sites including a vineyard in the Sant'Angelo in Colle subzone located in the southern part of the appellation. (2/2015) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

2010 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $65.00       Sale $57.20          Case $663
Quantity in Stock: 4

(97 Points)  Andrea Cortonesi's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino struts its stuff from the very start. This is a Brunello of profound beauty, intensity and complexity. At this young stage in the wine's life you get a generous dose of primary fruit focused on cherry and blackberry. You also get so-called secondary aromas from the oak that recall spice, cinnamon and dark smoke. These lead to the promise of beautiful tertiary aromas as the wine continues its slow evolution over the course of time. This wine is like a long-distance runner who explodes from the starting line and keeps a steady pace throughout the race. Dark penetration and rich aromas wrap generously over the palate. Endnotes of spice, cured meat and barbecue smoke add extra layers to the finish. I am a huge fan of Uccelliera's Brunello and the 2010 is absolutely unforgettable.

Andrea Cortonesi impresses once again with a set of breathtaking wines. His 2010 Brunello is excellent and shows a new level of winemaking maturity and sophistication for this hardworking producer with vines near the honey-colored Abbazia Sant'Antimo at the heart of the appellation. Uccelliera has earned its reputation as one of the Grand Cru wines of Montalcino.  eRobertParker.com #217, Feb 2015

 

2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino
Price: $132.00    Sale Price: $116.16
Quantity in Stock: 12

2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino (Magnum)
Price: $273.00    Sale :$240.24
Quantity in Stock: 4

(99 points)  Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plums and flowers. Licorice and mushroom It's full body, with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity. Such beautiful length and beauty to this wine. It's powerful and structured yet shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal. Better in 2016. James Suckling  (12/ 2014)