A huge, powerful wine, Palazzo's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino hits the palate with massive fruit and equally intense, searing tannins. There is no shortage of pure power here, that is for sure. I am not sure when or if the 2010 will ever truly be in balance, but it is certainly not very forthcoming today, despite its impressive length. At the same time, there is enough depth in the dark-fleshed fruit to make me think this could be a materially more interesting wine.

Wonderful aromas of salt, savory dried meat and red fruits. Bacon, too. Full body with chewy tannins and a long, intense finish. It's like a tightly knit ball of cashmere thread. Superb. Made from four hectares of vineyards. Better in 2018.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to savory tones of dark spice, dried cherry, grilled herb and cola. The wine sees 36 months in oak and although you feel the toast and the savory spice, the wood feels well integrated even at this young stage in the wine's life. Tight tannins, bright acidity, generous fruit flavors and youthful astringency characterize the mouthfeel. This Brunello needs a few more years of steady cellar aging in order to find its footing. The 2010 vintage delivers both power and elegance.