2010 Brunello di Montalcino

I am absolutely impressed by the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino from La Serena. The style is bold and far-reaching (the alcohol clocks in at 15%) yet the volume is never turned up so high as to drown out the delicate layers of cassis, balsam herb, rosemary and dried tobacco that flutter weightlessly at the back. In addition to the high quality of fruit, the wine exhibits seductive notes of spice, tobacco and dried jerky. This excellent Brunello has not yet started its bottle evolution. Its prime drinking window won't open for another six to ten years so you'll need to be extremely patient.

I am absolutely impressed by the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino from La Serena. The style is bold and far-reaching (the alcohol clocks in at 15%) yet the volume is never turned up so high as to drown out the delicate layers of cassis, balsam herb, rosemary and dried tobacco that flutter weightlessly at the back. In addition to the high quality of fruit, the wine exhibits seductive notes of spice, tobacco and dried jerky. This excellent Brunello has not yet started its bottle evolution. Its prime drinking window won't open for another six to ten years so you'll need to be extremely patient. ||Andrea Mantengoli's brand name is La Serena although the name of the estate is La Rasa. His wines meet that illusive sweet point between power and elegance that is so difficult to achieve. That accomplishment seems effortless in the exceptional 2010 vintage. Mantengoli has recently started his conversion to organic farming. eRobertParker.com.February, 2015