The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly juicy and exuberant, with lovely overall resonance. Sweet red cherries, plums and stone fruits abound. Today, the flavors are remarkably primary, with fewer of the signature floral and spiced notes that are common. Although quite expressive and highly appealing today, the 2010 needs at least a few years in bottle to develop the full range of its aromatic nuance and complexity. A long, incredibly silky finish rounds things out beautifully. Brunelli's 2010 is all finesse. The 2010 is approximately 60% fruit from Podernovone and 40% from Le Chiuse di Sotto.

Mid ruby with orange rim. Damp earth, liquorice powder and undergrowth underpinned by brooding sweet-sour cherry. Quite tight palate with clinging, firm tannins. Still a little unsettled for the moment. Gripping, tannic finish with lots of fruit and real depth. (WS)

Palish red, with a delicate floral aroma that seems fairly closed. There's really appetising underlying structure here, with freshness but no greenness, and delicacy combined with backbone. Needs some time to come out of its shell. (AH)