San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino 2010

It's from the warmer Southeast but is surprisingly elegant and well-structured. Deep ruby; inky core; tight violet rim. On the nose, aromas of dark fruit, tea leaves, mushroom, stone, chalk, dark fruit and lightly dried bark or tea. On the palate, it reflects the same, full-bodied, muscular, rich, intense, with layered fruit and sturdy tannins. A big wine to keep. Only 2,500 cases of this normale Brunello aged in Slavonian and Allier oak casks each year.

Critical Acclaim include whopping scores from JS and RP.

JS97James Suckling Extremely complex aromas of mushroom, stone, chalk, dark fruit and lightly dried bark or tea. Full-bodied, with powerful, layered tannins. Muscular and intense. It needs loads of time to soften: better in 2017.

RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a dense and voluptuous expression with opulent fruit tones and equally intense oak nuances. The wine ages in botte grande for 26 months and the slow oxidation has done much to increase the aromatic intensity of the wine. Bold and chewy with thick lines, this wine also shows tight wood astringency that should soften, to a good extent, with time. There are sweet tones of baking spice and sweet cherry syrup on the close. The style is appropriate for lovers of big Brunello.