Argiano : Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2010

I am absolutely impressed by Argiano's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine leans toward the modern, international side of the Brunello style spectrum. Thanks to the high caliber of the vintage, style does not trump quality. The bouquet unfolds to reveal black cherry, black currant, spice, cigar box, and a sprig of rosemary. Distant notes of chocolate and toasted almond play supporting roles. The wine offers extraordinary texture with firm tannins balanced by 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.

Tasted blind. Almost blackish ruby clearly indicating plenty of oak. Vanilla and rich fruit on the nose and huge concentration of both on the palate. It is massive, but the finish, brutal as it is for the moment, convinces. For those who like their Brunello really big. (WS)

This opens with aromas of oak, toast, licorice, coconut and sugared plum. The taut palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Raspy tannins leave a tongue-drying finish.