It’s not often that we hear the phrase ‘vintage of a lifetime’ bandied around by critics and the press, unless it’s in relation to Bordeaux, so hearing the reports about this amazing Brunello vintage we decided it warranted further inspection. The wines were unveiled to the world earlier this year following their customary and legally defined 50 months of aging, and the trade has had plenty of time to evaluate and exalt its brilliance.
Montalcino is a beautiful hilltop town in the heart of Tuscany (think rolling hills and Cyprus trees) and the wine that bears its name is made from 100% Sangiovese – the Chianti grape variety.
The 2010 vintage was perfect in Montalcino and, unusually, almost uniformly so for the region. Whilst the wines are powerful, they are far from being austere, being fruit driven with soft tannins combining freshness, structure, opulence and balance.
We have secured a shipment of two wines from Brunello’s amazing 2010 vintage. The ‘Cupio’ is open, juicy and invites you to jump in right now thanks to its berry fruit and a richly textured palate. The ‘Pinino’ is, whilst very drinkable now, the wine that will reward those with a touch more patience; it has the makings of a great wine with all the structure and fruit indicating a long life ahead of it.
