2010 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
A dark, powerful wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino possesses gorgeous depth and nuance. Intensely savory and mineral, the 2010 packs a serious punch. Readers will have to give the 2010 a few years to settle down, but there is plenty of intrigue. Mediterranean herbs, game, smoke, lavender and dried flowers add nuance on the finish. This is a highly distinctive wine from the southern reaches of Montalcino, with more in the way of ferrous/mineral notes than overt fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the best value wines of this celebrated vintage. Fruit is sourced from the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone of the appellation and you immediately notice the extra density and power of this wine (the label reads 14.5% alcohol and you feel it). That power is well checked by the general richness and pulpiness of the mouthfeel and the balanced intensity of the bouquet. Having said that, this Brunello definitely veers toward the savory side of the Sangiovese spectrum with dark cherry tones, dried meat and exotic spice. The results are masculine and muscular and that extra grit should carry the wine forward over the next ten years.
Mid ruby with bright orange rim. Herbal nose shot through with baking spice. Balsamic palate that has great balance, but the fruit seems already quite developed. (WS)