2010 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso

(97 Points) Beautiful and delicate from the start, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso impresses for its depth and balance. The wine sees one more year of oak cask aging compared to the base Brunello and you can definitely sense the extra spice on the nose. Those delicate balsam notes of root beer, ginger and rosemary oil are still prominently on display. Rich spice, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, prune, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a terrific effort that promises a steady evolution ahead.

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