This radiant wine is loaded with finesse, opening with an alluring fragrance of rose, violet and a whiff of pressed powder. The firm, linear palate offers bright cherry, crushed red berry, white pepper and a hint of tobacco alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It’s impeccably balanced but youthfully austere and needs to open up. *Top Cellar Selection of 2015* (KO)

Subtle aromas of blackberries, olives and bramble berries follow through to a full body with dense and chewy tannins that build on the palate. Hints of mushroom and Spanish cedar too. Needs time to soften.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino remains youthful and tight and has hardly budged since I last reviewed it. This classic vintage will be remembered for its elegance and its power, two seemingly contradictory traits that come magically together on rare occasions. This wine shows tightness at its core with snappy freshness and stacked aromas of forest fruit, violets and freshly tilled earth. (ML) 95+