2010 Salicutti Brunello Montalcino Piaggione

Mid ruby with bright orange-tinged rim. Savoury, stony nose with hints of cherry. A little reluctant yet impressively concentrated on the palate. Quite a full style with big but lovely grainy tannins, which are a perfect match for the fruit. Really too young but impressive in its build. Drink 2016-2030. 17+ points

A dark, dense wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione is going to need time to fully unwind, as the tannins are quite imposing. Tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, mint and roasted coffee beans lift effortlessly from the glass. On the palate, the wine is less giving, but there is quite a bit of underlying energy and tension. Dried rose petal, lavender and sage add the final notes of complexity on the savory, saline-infused finish. There is a lot going on, but readers need to be patient. The 2010 was bottled a bit later than normal, so I will not be surprised to see it blossom quite a bit over the next few years. 94+ points