Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint, white pepper and tobacco grace the palate in the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino. Although the 2010 is aromatically expressive, the tannins remain quite firm and unyielding. Readers will have to give this mid-weight, classically built Brunello at least a few years in the cellar to come together. All the elements are in place for the 2010 to deliver superb drinking a few years down the line.

This hearty red opens with aromas of menthol, spirit-soaked cherry, dried rose and a balsamic note. The robust, one-dimensional palate delivers dried red cherry, stewed fruit, powdered sage and anisette alongside bracing tannins. It's savory and muscular but the heat of evident alcohol throws it off balance.