The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is magnificent. Huge swaths of tannin coat the palate as the 2010 shows off its power, breadth and overall intensity. Plum, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, licorice and cloves are some of the many notes that hit the palate. The Riserva is dark, powerful and brooding. It will require at least a handful of years before it becomes approachable. These old vines, planted in 1964, confer weight, power and gravitas, all qualitites that come through loud and clear on the huge, explosive finish.

The aromas to this Brunello riserva are stunning with subtle forest fruits, orange peel and mushrooms. Full body, very fine tannins and a long and persistent finish. The flavors are so complex with earth and dark fruits. Very fine and dusty tannins. Drink or hold.

What a treat! The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli stands out for the extreme purity of its fruit and the profound depth it shows across all the senses. This starts with the wine's appearance, which is bright, saturated, ruby-colored and luminous all at the same time. The aromas emerge from the glass with vertical intensity, imparting fresh notes of wild berry, licorice, balsam herb and dried rose hip. This highly successful vintage stands apart for the power and clarity of fruit it puts so generously on display. If you are lucky enough to own a bottle, I'd store it at the back of your cellar for many more years to come. (Monica Larner)