Lisini Brunello di Montalcino 2010
Lisini is a firm favourite amongst Brunello connoisseurs. It’s one of the oldest estates in Montalcino as they are the first 25 supporters of the Consorzio. They anchored firmly in the traditionalist camp: long, slow ageing in very large barrels(11l to 40l, Slovenian oak) with a lack of emphasis on new oak; winemaking influenced by traditionalist Giudo Gambellini who taught the current maker Filippo Paoletti.
While these traditional wines can often be austere and unapproachable for years, this is not the case at Lisini where the wines are delicious at every stage, especially the basic Brunello as this one. This approachability is in no small part thanks to the stunning vineyard sites, south-facing, conditioned by high-altitude of 350m, in the sun-drenched southern half of Montalcino, in the warmer south between San Angelo in Colle and Castelnouvo del’Abate.
Vinification using lower temperature fermentation happens in cement tanks; flexible skin contact time excercised from 11 days to 26 days depending on the condition of the grapes. Vines are old: 40% are above 75 years old and the rest is above 35 years old.
2010 is the vintage of the vintages in Brunello. Production is only roughly 8000 12-bottle case. We only have 25 bottles. Why wait?
Great commentaries include:
95+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "One of the stand outs of the vintage, Lisini's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino fleshes out in all directions with gorgeous, expansive richness. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive, yet backed up by notable freshness. A crescendo of incredibly pure dark red and black stone fruits builds on the huge finish. The 2010 is dazzling, but readers will have to be patient. Drink: 2018-2035. (Feb 2015)" 94 points Wine Spectator: "Bright, evoking pure cherry and strawberry flavors, with light touches of earth, briar and tobacco in the background. Juicy and elegant, firming up on the long, tea- and iron-accented aftertaste. Best from 2018 through 2030. (6/30/15)" 94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "Lisini's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to dark concentration and extraction. On first nose, it shows floral aromas of pressed rose and violet, but after a few minutes in the glass the wine begins to offer dark cherry, dried blackberry, Indian spice, teriyaki sauce, crushed mineral, licorice and cola. Its personality bridges aspects of both elegance and power. The 2010 vintage offers a very beautiful interpretation for Carlo Lisini Baldi. The mouthfeel is extremely soft and supple. It delivers pretty end notes of dusty mineral and clay earth. This delicious wine has nowhere to go but forward. Drink: 2016-2028. (Feb 2015)" 94 points James Suckling: "A silky and refined wine with pepper, spice and berry character. Full body, fine and dense tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now or hold. (1/19/15)"
