The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante is rich, powerful and explosive, with fabulous depth, heady aromatics and stunning balance. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, rose petals, mint, white pepper and a hint of orange peel are some of the many notes that inform this gracious, utterly captivating Brunello. The high-toned aromatics and punchy fruit give the 2010 much of its sizzling energy. Delicate, powerful and finessed all at the same time, the Vigneti del Versante is one of the wines of the year.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante takes us back to a classic profile for Brunello (the local name for Sangiovese). The wine is forthcoming and confident with power and heft at the back. The bouquet shows enormous complexity that starts off with bright red fruit and opens slowly to reveal more detailing with etched mineral, crushed oyster shell, balsam herb, cola, licorice and red rose petal. There's a tight firmness of the tannins that should be very important to the future aging of this wine. The acidity is bright and balanced as well. It contributes to a very long and polished finish. This is a gorgeous Brunello. (Monica Larner)