The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a real knock-out. Rose petals, mint, sweet spices and flowers are some of the first notes that open up in the glass. Almost indescribably beautiful, the 2010 is a classic, austere Biondi Santi Brunello built to age. Although the 2010 is going to require considerable patience, its pedigree is quite apparent today. The 2010 constantly changes in the glass, revealing different shades of its multi-faceted personality, while the long, saline-infused finish is a thing of real beauty.

Aromas of currants, fresh herbs and blackberries with hints of wet stones and licorice follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. This is very tight and muscular. Needs at least four to five years to soften. The legend lives.

I had previously reviewed this wine upon its commercial release three years ago, but a wine like this merits frequent return visits. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino remains youthful and tight and has hardly budged since I last reviewed it. This classic vintage will be remembered for its elegance and its power, two seemingly contradictory traits that come magically together on rare occasions. This wine shows tightness at its core with snappy freshness and stacked aromas of forest fruit, violets and freshly tilled earth. I have expanded the drinking window with this second review of the wine.

Intense mid ruby. Very tight and closed yet showing depth of fine-perfumed, earthy cherry. Embryonic Sangiovese palate that is Burgundian in stature and weight. Precise and perfectly balanced. Really sleek and fine and with fine powdery tannins, but not ready by far. (WS)

Vibrant cherry red colour. Strikingly aromatic without being confected, right on the cusp of ripeness: strawberry and raspberry fruit alongside their respective leaves. Some tobacco and spice in the background. Then firm, taut, notably dry in the mouth with its comparatively low alcohol. Poised and noble, built for the long haul with few if any concessions to the modern style. This is conviction winemaking. (AH)