Dark red cherries, mint, sage, tobacco, licorice and new leather blossom in Il Marroneto's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino. Savory and lifted in the glass, the 2010 possesses stunning overall balance and tons of nuance. The tannins are firm and incisive, yet also remarkably polished. Ideally, readers should cellar the 2010 for at least a few years, but it is going to be very hard to resist the temptation of drinking the 2010 young.

Another rich and flavorful wine with hints of walnut, mineral, orange peel and oyster shell. Very minerally. It's medium body, with firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Dense and solid. Better in 2017.

Beautifully ripe and intense, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino never feels overdone or too heavy. In fact, it treads with the lightest of footprints imparting delicate tones of rose petal, forest berry, white cherry, balsam herb and sweet almond as it flutters over the senses. The main message here is elegance and this wine is profoundly eloquent on the subject. The mouthfeel is tight silky and enduring. Delicate mineral notes give focus and definition to the finish. This is a classic Brunello from an iconic vintage. Monica Larner

Aromas of wild and medicinal herbs lead off, with cherry, spice and tobacco flavors. Fleshy and focused, with a long, flavorful aftertaste of fruit, spice and tar. Best from 2019 through 2036. BS