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Article from Jamessuckling.com
2010 Brunello: Vintage Of A Lifetime
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino wines might just be the most exciting set of Italian wines ever. James considers the vintage the greatest ever for the region, which is itself arguably Italy’s top appellation. Only a few 2010 Brunellos are available right now in Thailand, but three wines James scored 100 points, featured below, will soon be on the market here.
2010: Greatest Ever?
The 2010 Brunellos represent a vintage of a lifetime. A near-perfect, long and hot growing season made for wines of dramatic intensity that still show marvellous structure, balance and finesse. The wines are also unique in that they can be enjoyed young or old, which is the mark of truly exceptional year. Best of all though, I think the quality across the board is astonishing; 80 wines out of over 200 I tasted scored 95 points or more.
Five Top 2010 Brunellos In Thailand
The 2010 Brunellos you can – for now! – currently purchase in Thailand are from producer Giacomo di Neri and stocked at Gfour Fine Wines. The Tenuta Nuova is a super blend of two stellar vineyards aged for around 30 months in oak that I scored 99 points. But the “basic” Brunello retails for nearly half the price and the quality, at 96 points, is phenomenal. The other three, 100-point, 2010 picks soon to be buyable in Thailand are an old-vine bottling (V.V. stands for Vecchie Viti or old vines) from tiny producer Le Ragnaie, imported by new distribution company Estella Wine; the fabulously dense and fruit-packed latest offering from Siro Pacenti, whose importer is Texica; and the deeply aromatic, new-release Luce della Vite Brunello from the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi family, which should available from Bangkok Beer and Beverages.
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2010
Gorgeous aromas of sea salt, savory, smoked meats and dried fruits follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a long and intense finish. So beautiful and enticing. Goes on for minutes. Excellent quality for the standard bottling of this winery. Better in 2016. 96 points.
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2010
This is very muscular for the vintage. It shows lots of stones, dark fruits and hints of tar. Full body, firm tannins and a chewy texture. Ripe and rich. Yet shows tension and intensity. Tannic now but will show its greatness in 2018. 99 points.
Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Ragnaie V.V. 2010
So much dried citrus and smoke on the nose, with sliced meat and plums. Full body and a dense, intense palate with amazing fruit and intensity, but it’s held back. An old-vine wine with a big future. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2018. 100 Points.
Luce Della Vite Brunello di Montalcino 2010
Very powerful aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom, iron, spice and lightly grilled meat. Full body with layers of fruit and earth character. Incredibly layered and muscular. Better than the legendary 2006? Built for aging. Better in 2018. 100 points.
