2010 - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Gianni Brunelli

The 2010 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has a deeper and yet more youthful color than the 2012. On the nose it is smoky and intense but a little held back. On the palate it is round, medium-full with very refined tannins and a beautiful feeling of balance. The aromas develop on standing into the heady, faded flower aromas of a mature wine but there are still some persistent ripe cherry notes on both the nose and palate together with a slight waxy note of lavender polish. There is still a firm grip to the savory tannins which are a little less perfectly integrated than some more recent vintages. This is a mature wine ageing gracefully.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is an impressive creation with a unique and interesting read of this classic vintage. The wine is bold and bright, with great intensity that accompanies it from start to finish. Dark cherry and blackberry find balanced contrast against layers of spice, cumin and cardamom. I mentioned the intensity but keep in mind that it is very well balanced. The wine never goes over the limit. That same fact is true of the mouthfeel. On the palate, it offers tight textural richness with more fruit flavors and bright acidity.