2011 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautifully round and opulent wine that bursts open with vitality and a rush of immediate fruit. It shows lasting intensity with dried cherry, plum, blackberry, spice, leather and tobacco. Generally speaking, the aromas are soft and enduring. This wine offers enormous pleasure upfront and can be consumed within the next ten years. The wine is less adapted for long aging given the approachable tannins and ripe fruit flavors. In its current form, it is a delicious Brunello.

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous, striking wine. Sweet macerated cherries, tobacco, licorice, spice and mint are all laced together in a super-expressive, resonant Brunello endowed with real class. Open-knit and seductive, the 2011 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is an especially delicate, sensual Brunello that speaks to the finesse that is possible on the northern side of Montalcino, and a terrific example of the year at its very best. With time in the glass, the 2011 starts to shut down, which may be a very good sign of its potential longevity. In any event, the 2011 Brunello is a winner. Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli gave the 2011 a bit less time in oak than is customary. Production was just 28,000 bottles as opposed to the 50,000 bottles that were produced between the straight Brunello and Riserva in 2010 (there is no Riserva in 2011.)

Tasted blind. Maturing ruby with orange rim. A little bit stalky, but with brooding fruit underneath. The fruit makes quite a big impact on the palate, but is wonderfully matched by lots of grainy tannins and juicy acidity. A tiny bit singed, but overall irresistible. (WS)