2010 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino

(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