Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2010 and Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010
Not much ink has been spilt on this wine. In Vivino, one ‘certificated’ tasters commented ‘don’t bother’, and another said, ‘lack of complexity’. OK. Alright. Not that bad. Those are not the worst comments and I have worse ones, and of course, this is a free world. We feel pretty relaxed with Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2010, we don’t have to work on defending how good it is. These 2 scores and vintages information will do. And Nicholas Belfrage also lists Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino as the winery to watch on my book purchased back in 2004. The scores are:
96 | James Suckling
94 | Wine Advocate
How many times we heard Banfi is too gigantic in size and does not the ‘beautiful simplicity’ that make the wines good? In some organized tastings, including those from Hong Kong WIne Society, Banfi's BdMs, including Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010, has been able to out-perform others prestigious BdM, both traditionals and new-waves. The scores are:
95 | James Suckling
92 | Wine Advocate
We experienced lots of god BdMs from 2004, 2006, 2007 and now it is 2010. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and fruit-forward expression that bursts with energy and red fruit intensity even at this young stage in the wine's life. Thick layers of cherry, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cinnamon give the wine a bold, opulent personality. The wine boasts a medium build with bright garnet and ruby highlights. I think Castiglion del Bosco does a great job of executing and delivering this softer style of Brunello that works so well as a companion to the hearty, wintery foods we love most. You can drink it in the near or long term. It has that level of aging flexibility. Feel safe to by the 2010 vintage as it is a great one to taste and buy.
