Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino Campo Drago 2010

Campo del Drago is a Brunello di Montalcino cru from the finest vineyard in the Capanna area, a hectare and a half at the highest elevation at 450 metres. A very big wine, it is superbly-structured and with a distinctive personality, it is the most refined expression of Sangiovese produced at Castiglion del Bosc position benefitted by the cold North winds for form structure and finnese for the wine.

Harvest period is late, normally within the first 10 days of October. Soil is excellent as there is presence of clay shale and gravel-pebble. Training system is Guyot. Vineyard density is high like 4,500 vines/ha. Vineyard yield is low at 40 q/ha. So all these point to the kindof top top quality castiglion del Bosco is drivign at.

Vinification is 20-25 days in steel tanks, at a temperature of 28°C, definitely to uncover fruit. Maturation is 24 months in French oak, so it may feel like Bordeaux from the first instance and nose.

It is not our cup of tea. It does leave a firm impression of modern Tuscans made from Sangiovese. Notable comments are:

96 points James Suckling

Fabulous aromas of oranges, peaches and mahogany follow through to a full body with rich, chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. This is dense, tight, powerful, compressed and incredibly structured. Needs four to five years of bottle age to come out of its dormancy. (1/2015)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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 tannins are super tame and docile, even for this more structured vintage. 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. The 2010 vintage is a great one to taste and buy. Massimo Ferragamo's Castiglion del Bosco shows the fruits of hard labor and major winery investments with the 2010 vintage. This stellar vintage shows us what his vineyards are capable of because the quality of fruit is so good. I can't wait to try the vineyard-designate Campo del Drago Brunello that was not ready at the time of my tasting. The house style favors softness and opulence, but this vintage adds the structure and brightness for truly great wines and longer drinking windows. (2/2015)

91 points Vinous

Castiglion del Bosco 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is expressive and beautifully layered in the glass. Crushed flowers, dried cherries, spices, mint and worn-in leather open up nicely in the glass. The flavors are dark and bold throughout, with plenty of mid-palate sweetness that gives the wines its upfront appeal and sense of immediacy. At the same, time, though, there is plenty of supporting structure. This is one of the more open 2010s readers will come across. As such, it is likely to offer its best drinking sooner rather than later. The creamy, textured finish only adds to the wine's considerable appeal today. (AG) (2/2015)