2011 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino

Truffle, saddle leather, game, crushed strawberry and grilled herb aromas unfold in the glass. The aromas carry over to the earthy, chewy palate together with dried cherry and tobacco. Tightly knit, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink after 2021. 91 points

Gorgeous sweetness of fruit and the start of mature decay in the bottle. Plum and some dried fruits but still fresh with cherry. Almost a caramel quality on the palate but not actually sweet, with the tannins and the acidity building a fresh counterbalance to the dried fruits. Still pretty firm and dry and all in harmony for a long, long future. Knowing how well this wine can age, I think this is GV. 17.5+ points

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a delightful expression of Sangiovese that does justice to the grape and the unique Montalcino farming environment. This a clean and beautifully polished red wine that reveals very precise tones of wild berry, dried raspberry and blue flower. Spice and freshly tilled earth also appear. The fruit is integrated and bright despite the warm vintage conditions. The finish is long and the tannins are polished and silky. 93+ points