2010 Stella di Campalto (Podere S.Giuseppe), Rosso di Montalcino

The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is striking in its beauty. A cool, reticent wine, the 2010 is showing just the barest hints of its potential. Sweet floral notes lead to red berries, mint and spices in a wine that stands out for its nuance and crystalline purity. Beams of underlying acidity support the delineated finish. The Rosso is a great introduction to the wines of Stella di Campalto.

Fully saturated red. Aromatic notes of bay leaf and rosemary complicate ripe dark cherry, coffee and loam on the complex, deep nose. Big, dense and chewy, with rich black cherry, raspberry syrup and mocha flavors. Finishes with impressively length but the chewy tannins will need time to smooth out. A very big Rosso; in fact, I'd bet that the majority of those who taste this wine blind would think it's a Brunello.

Will be released in eight to nine months. Palish youthful ruby. Perhaps a little stalky and reductive at this stage and still a little in the grip of the malolactic fermentation (creamy note). Pretty, grainy tannins and fine acidity, almost integrated. Very young, but elegant. (WS)