2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio
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Tasting notes
Fanti's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio is a bit richer through the mid-palate and finish than the straight Brunello. Smoke, tobacco, cedar and new leather fill out the wine's ample frame nicely. Silky tannins convey an impression of silkiness and textural finesse, while the greater presence of oak has given the wine more open and slightly mature aromatics. Here, too, there is plenty to admire.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio represents a new wine in the Fanti portfolio. Fruit is sourced from four vineyard sites that are all located in an area known as Vallocchio in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone. Specifically, vines are planted on a southeast-facing slope at the heart of the estate. The wine opens to a beautiful garnet-ruby color and medium concentration. The bouquet shows savory tones of leather and cured meat backed by ripe fruit, fig, plum and Indian spice. The wine is masculine, layered and intense. Yet, the mouthfeel ultimately shows a softer, more streamlined approach. I do want to note the 15% alcohol that feels surprisingly well integrated.
Dark ruby with orange rim. Classic slightly balsamic cherry and orange skin nose. Wonderful ripe and seductive fruit and with spiky, bitter tannins that are still a little tough. Mellow oak notes on the finish. (WS)