Brunello di Montalcino Ris DOCG 2010 2er Etui Argiano

I am absolutely impressed by Argiano's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine veers towards the modern and international side of the Brunello style spectrum. Thanks to the high caliber of the vintage, style does not trump quality. The bouquet peels back to reveal black cherry, black currant, spice, cigar box and rosemary twig. Distant notes of chocolate and toasted almond play supporting roles. The wine offers extraordinary texture with firm tannins that are balanced out against the soft plushness of the fruit. This is a terrific Brunello.

A powerful red with so much new wood at the moment as well as gorgeous fruit. Raisiny, cedar notes. Full-bodied, chewy and very intense; underneath there is intensity and richness. This needs at least four years to come together. Try in 2020 and see.

Aromas of toasted oak and char, with a hint of coconut, accent black cherry and plum fruit notes in this red, which is polished in a way, with good balance overall and fine length, but for me, a little too much oak. Best from 2018 through 2030. 441 cases made.