Pop n poured. Drinking nicely. Slight browning Medium body and acidity some complexity dark cherry some earthiness and graphite. Probably could have used some more air as didnt seem to quite open up
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PnP, which is the play now. Gorgeous red cherry and violets nose. Aged nicely with a balanced palate of red/black fruit and secondary elements. Cola, coffee, graphite, olive? Great body. Drink now
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Not yet rating as I think this may still be too young, or needed longer air exposure. There's really nice cherry flavor, wet stone, pencil shaving, and something fresh and medicinal. Just not as open as I thought it might be at 13 years of age, and finishing a bit short. Will wait a few more years for my next bottle.
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Prior bottle was a year ago and my notes remained quite consistent. When initially opened, the nose was all red cherry, but with some time, again showed black cherry, plum, earth and spice notes. Between medium and full bodied with very expressive and pretty black cherry upfront. Adds plum and darker black cherry through the middle with blackberry providing the high toned contrast. Just like my prior bottle, shows a lot of elegance and harmony through the middle, but perhaps not quite as much depth. Tannins, acidity and tart black cherry on the backside remain in good balance with the fruit. Finish shows spices, earth and mineral qualities. Overall, felt like this bottle showed very much in line with my prior one and while it has clearly held up quite well, it didn't take any significant positive steps forward, which makes me think it might be closer to peak than I anticipated. I'll plan to open my last bottle in Fall 2024.
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One of my favorites, I haven’t been able to resist the temptation to drink young, but when the wine is this great, can you blame me? Wonderful nose, floral. Big mouthfeel with lots of cherry and red fruit; nectarine? Tobacco and earthy flavors follow quickly. Long finish with tame tannins. Really an excellent wine.
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Open my first bottle and decanted for couple hours before grilling steak fillet, veggies and baked potatoes. Great color. All the tannins have mellowed out and the back of my tongue is dry. I love this wine. Drinking well!
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Dark red fruit, tilled soil, dried tobacco leaves and old shoe leather come together and deliver a wonderful Brunello full of depth and complexity. This wine from the cooler side of Moltalcino is delightfully refreshing with its medium acidity. At age thirteen, this wine still has a decade of great drinking in its future. Great juice.
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Second bottle of this from my cellar , I thought plenty of nice things going on w this wine. My freind was way more impressed than I was, better than good. Not as good as the last bottle I had in 2021.
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Beautifully mature BdM. 5 years ago, this was bright and cherry filled. Tonight, the acidity and cherries were still there, but added tertiary notes added a touch of darkness and roundness. This may well improve but drinking wonderfully now.
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This was excellent if still a touch young; the nose was beautiful with red leaning fruit, mint, some green tobacco, orange peel, and violet. The palate showed lovely pure red fruits with elegance and style, but there were still plentiful tannins. Paired well with a rich lasagna, but probably better in another 3-5 years. If you really want to capture the freshness of the fruit, maybe drink sooner, but I think the balance will be better in a few years as the tannins smooth out.
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Bright cherry and red licorice notes. Damp earth and leather secondary notes. Good body and acidic backbone. Quite open on an hour’s aeration without decant. Should be long lived but is captivating now.
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Black cherry, plum, earth and spice notes on a very pretty, blackfruit dominant nose. Between medium and full bodied (14.5% ABV) with black cherry upfront and adding darker plum, and brighter blackberry and black cherry behind. Mid-body is beautiful, showing depth as well as elegance. Tannins and acidity come in behind to provide contrast, but the bridge between the mid-body and finish is nearly seamless. The result is a wine that shows great depth of fruit through the middle, but in a defined and expressive fashion because of the structural qualities behind. Finishes with balanced spices, lingering mineral qualities and blackfruits. This wine has the structure to hold up and perhaps even improve slightly over the next few years. Glad I waited this long for my first bottle. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Fall 2023.
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Wine Club Holiday Party 2022: Medium to dark garnet. Getting cherry on the nose but strikes me as wound quite tight so will decant. Palate is somewhat approachable but structure certainly quite prominent at this stage. This is lovely but have to imagine you'll want to try it in 5-10 years from now, so definitely hold.
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Decanted three hours. Deep, mature garnet. Somewhat closed nose, black currant, dusty leather. Just a little sharp on the palate, red and black plum, licorice, a touch of clove. Long finish, with some lingering silty tannins. Il Marroneto is one of my very favorite winemakers, and this was anything but bad, but it didn't quite dazzle the way my previous bottle of 2010 did a year and a half ago. Maybe in a weird liminal place, maybe bottle variation, maybe a fickle taster. I will say that despite the mature color, this tastes really lively, and I'd imagine it has many years left in it, if it's even at peak yet. Enjoyed this!
EDIT: better half, who has a much better palate than I, loved this. She'll set a glass down decisively if she isn't enjoying a bottle; she'll nurse a single glass for the evening if she thinks it's good, not great; this was good for multiple pours.
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Interestingly, there was no sediment whatsoever. Took all the precautions and not a smidge. Been sitting on its side since i bought it on release.
It was ok. Gave it about 4 hours in the decanter sipping along the way before dinner was served. Started light without much body so I was a little concerned. It did open but never really became anything great. Filled out with dried red fruits and hints of coffee. Drying tannins were still present.
I liked it but it didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for from a medium aged Brunello. Didn't hold a candle to the Il Poggione I had a couple months ago.
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Decanted, but failed to filter it carefully. It's loaded with solids. Tastes wonderful and smells even better. Lots of sweet cherry notes. Very full bodied. VacUVined it and tried the next day. It was not good. I think I should have done the VacUVin action sooner.
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Three hour decant. Cherry with raspberry, mid palate with mineral and earthy notes, bright acidity on the finish. IMHO this wine needs air of two plus hours. Very enjoyable.
Opened up further in the glass. Probably should be decanted for about four hours.
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PnP and sipped with friends last night. Poor decision on my part. Thick and closed wall of dark fruit, this needed either a few more years in the cellar or a few hours in a decanter.
Nog the besr experience, but I am writing it off to pilot error.
This was somewhat disappointing given the good reviews and long wait. Perhaps not the best bottle. Clearly dense and has years ahead. But not currently opening up despite decanting. Lacking the floral aromatics that I expected. Dominated by acid and tannins. Give it a few more years.
Ruby tinged with crimson; brighter than the Argiano drunk alongside. Vivid fruit-forward nose, cherries and raspberries, polished though with a hint of plastic. Graphite and iron. Dense on the palate, with obvious power in reserve, but beginning to open up, the tannins prominent but tamed and fine. Wonderful energy and tension here.
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Decanted and enjoyed over two nights. Medium dark garnet. Red cherries, fresh soil, espresso. Good energy on the palate which gives off bright red fruit. Spicy tannins with some grip. Cherry liquer and red licorice on the finish. Great concentration. Big and chewy without feeling heavy.
It seems to be hiding all it has, though, with a more one-dimensional showing relative to what I thought it should give. Just starting to show some more dimension at 7pm on night 2. I'd say ok to drink now, but certainly recommend holding.
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Very light red color. In the bouquet earthy flavors and herbs and spices. Same on the palate earth, sweet chocolate, good acidity and soft tannin. Young maturity stage now.
Tasted in a vertical with the 2009. At 2 hours, they were both lovely, if remarkably similar. At 4 hours, the 2010 ran away with it. Round and plummy, with slate and earth, balanced acidity and a long, tannic finish. As food friendly as any Brunello, but the complexity really stood out when enjoyed on its own. Very drinkable now with a long decant, but has a solid decade left in it.
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Nice fresh nose with lots of red berries. Young cherries, blackberries and dried green herbs on the palate. Medium- bodied with a fresh acidity. Medium complexity. Nice finish - a little short maybe. Good now, will be more interesting with some more cellar time. (IG)
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Last one of these I had was 2+ years ago, so I figured it would be a good time to pop open another one. Floral nose with some red berries in there. Palate is delightful, full of cherry, a little sweet, but finishes with a good spice to it. Maybe a little cranberry in there as well. Some black pepper. Tannins are smooth at this point as well. Well balanced with the acid and alcohol. Still remains excellent.
Decanted for 30 minutes or so and drank over the following few hours.
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Tried on 3 different nights (same bottle), twice in blind tests against other 2010 Brunellos, once on its own. A+ nose, fruit and some earth, maybe a bit of vegetation in there. Lots of fruit on the palate, not dense but rather elegant and lifted. Almost juicy, but with a defined edge to it and plenty of structure. The best showing Brunello at this point, but perhaps not the longest lived.
Bright and fragrant. Cherries, currants, faint dried flowers. Medium weight but lithe. Not so much a sipping wine as one that would really compliment a wide range of foods.
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A fabulous Brunello! Delicious acidity, mouthwatering, blackberries, cranberries, currants, dates, prunes, smooth tannins, firm structure, mature, well balanced, lovely acidity, good depth, complex, elegant, lengthy aftertastes, lots of going on there, a signature Brunello. One of the best for this 2010 vintage.
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A bit disappointing in comparison with a prior bottle which I thought was outstanding. While there was much to like, it lacked focus and intensity and seemed a bit muddled and muted to my palate. I kept thinking it might open up and reveal a glorious wine, but it never did. I would be hard-pressed to give it more than about 90 points, but won't score it as I think there was something just "not right" about it.
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Lovely wine from ok Marraneto. Certainly not a blockbuster but well made, elegant and enjoyable. Had the typical hallmarks of Sangiovese from Montalcino without some of the austerity found in other bottlings. Worth a spin if you can find it.
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Stylistically, this is an excellent Brunello, without any excess ripeness and with plenty of energy. The complication is that relative to my last tasting in 2/2016, this hasn't evolved that much, and it hasn't reached its peak yet: it remains fairly restrained and humble even after several hours of decanting. Much joy already but I'd hold off from popping one of these for a couple more years if at all possible.
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Floral notes, red fruit with underbrush notes on the nose. Red fruit with subtle sweetness, underbrush, earth, leather note before a savory finish. Medium bodied, medium acid, plush lifted mineral finish. Not heavy-handed in the slightest and it really hit it's stride after about a 30 min decant. Classic poised Brunello at the start of its drinking window. Drink now or hold another 10.
Really, if you wanted to know what Brunello is supposed to be, then this is it.
Decanted for about 45 minutes. Restrained fruit with cherry and leather notes, in addition to hints of floral and herbaceous components.There are finely integrated tannins and alcohol. Bright acidity on the finish. This wine should probably benefit from several more years in the cellar. Must be decanted at this stage to fully enjoy IMHO.
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Exceptional brunello - smells older than it is, with bits of leather and earth along with black plum. In the mouth, it’s alive - vivid acidity, pure bright red cherry, spice and black tea. Light-bodied. It is just as it should be.
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Decided to revisit from a couple years ago - I thought it needed more time to soften/open-up. Ruby fruit - dark cherry, currants, dark raspberry, and a little blackberry. Smooth mid-palate, however, I was hoping for a little fuller/deeper fruit in light of the 95 rating from WA - medium body. Rich flavors of dark berries, some spice, and a mineral component. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep and still just a little tannic. Decanted for one hour and drank over a couple more. Improved a little with time but drinking pretty well after the decant. A nice wine but I expected more in consideration of the WA rating. WA anticipated maturity 2016 to 2028 so maybe it just needs some more time being in an early maturity window. Nonetheless, in my opinion closer to the 93 rating from Suckling at least at this stage. 100% sangiovese.
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Although a more recent producer only bottling since 1980 it appears, I believe this is one of the top 20 or so Brunellos in my opinion. The 2010 is a very nice wine medium bodied, showing more minerality it seems than usual Brunello, and intoxicating aromas. I have read that the 35 year old vines are yielding some fantastic juice with traditional methods. Only producing 38 hectolitres per hectare along with increasing age in vines, I think this producer only gets better and better as it has over the past decade plus.
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Rustic red with a copper ring. Light fruit on the nose, mostly red berries or raspberry. Very interesting. Definite blackberry and pepper initially. Lots of flavor. Nice and complex. Nice mild spice to it as well. Moderately tannic. Excellent wine. One of my favorites if recent memory.
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Rich red color. Different stylistically from the Conti Constanti tasted last month, but equally as good. Wild raspberries, mocha, cherries on superb nose. Although still in its infant stage, produces great flavors of dark cherries, balsamic, minerals. Very smooth tannins. A great mix of elegance and power. Very fresh and long finish. 93+
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Dark ruby color, modest fruity aroma. First brunello burst is soft, typical dark fruits, cherries ending in a nice earth finish, barny, dry long subtle linger. Very nice and slightly earthier finish since my last taste
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Decanted and consumed over 3 hours with a mixed cheese platter. Lite earthy, floral & berry aromas. Flavors of red cherries. Tannic and powerful, medium finish. First of six bottles - recommend revisiting in 2 years.
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A Brunello day (Singapore): Brunello master class. This was showing better here than at the general tasting. Likely due to the more air this had seen. Herbal and earthy with pretty fruit, another very good 2010.
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A Brunello day (Singapore): Matter of taste in Singapore. Translucent garnet, bigger body than the 2011 but rather tense and closed, medium + tannins, some bitterness. This was a recently opened bottle and did not show as well as the one in the Brunello master class later on which must have seen more air. Here 91+
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Matter of taste tasting. Red inky color and subtle aroma. Great Brunello burst with red fruits - cherries and strawberries. Wonderful finish with modest linger
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Excellent but still a bit young. Very full bodied and fruity initially. Soft tannins that should mellow with age. Great medium spice to it. Looking forward to drinking for the next decade.
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Brunello di Montalcino 2010 - 30 top names of the vintage (Singapore): During a dinner and a day later during a matter of taste event, Brunello Masterclass. Medium garnet. Expressive nose of tobacco, red and dark fruit, earth, spices. Tannins still pronounced, a touch rustic, good freshness, typicity and balance. Needs some time but will be a winner.
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See swapdoc's note of July 2015, he/she nailed it. I'll be opening a 2011 soon, and I've got fingers crossed. A nice wine, just not a special, or soulful wine.
Wonderful effort full of deep red fruit, wet saddle leather, sandal wood and a lovely complexity. The palate adds balance and integration together with seamless acidity and subtle sandy tannins. Texture and structure are both present, but the wine is certainly very enjoyable today too. Length on the finish lasts some 45 seconds and makes this wine a true joy. Overall impression is very positive.
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PnP and ready to go after about 30 minutes. Definitely in the traditional style, this is all about elegance rather than power. Feminine like a Grand Cru burgundy (Musigny?), translucent and absolutely, totally delicious. Perfect balance, great depth and intensity, bright acidity, terrific complexity and a silky smooth texture. Flavors of leather, dried cherry, dried berry, violets and cocoa. I thought the flavors were dominated by the leather, but my wife thought it was the cocoa. Taut and bursting with energy and verve. This was really spectacular and an absolute joy to drink. In spite of its light weight, it was a perfect match with rib-eye steaks. 94-95
1 hr decant. Pleasantly surprised. Well balanced, nice fruit, pleasant finish. On the feminine side for a Brunello. Looking forward to how this wine evolves over the years.
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Ist sip on pulling the cork was tannic and closed. Decanted for 90 minutes and back into btl. Started drinking in earnest about 3 hours after opening. Decanting helped but this btl was pretty stubborn. Light ruby color. My btl seemed relatively closed. Elegant and refined but with limited expression at this point. I've had more ready to go 2010s then this one. Weight and balance are great but I'll let my last two sleep till 2020+.
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One of the more elegant and memorable 2010 Brunellos. Closed upon opening but (misleadingly) accessible after few hours of decanting. Silky on the palate, with great mid-palate and long finish. This can be stunningly good (95+ points?) by 2018-2019; it will be hard to resist enjoying it sooner.
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Nose of wild berry, tobacco, and dried leaf. Savory red fruit in the mouth, with a long palate-staining finish of wild berry. Although already quite aromatically accessible, I'd give this time to resolve some of the tannins. Drink starting 2018.
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Pinot lovers BdM on night 1. Decanted for 2 hours, wine is light bodied and nicely aromatic with minerals, rotting leaves, faint traces of red fruits. Rocks and fruit on palate with lots of lift and mouth puckering tannins. Clean and transparent. So very different from other Brunellos, definitely on the more feminine side. I really like this style and would think it will only improve in cellar but so tempting to drink now.
Day 2 after being vacuvined and put in fridge. Dulled a bit and put on a bit of weight. Did not improve. Overall I like this wine though.
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slightly sweet dark and complex pomegranate and citrus Minerally with coffe and cedar undertones Will let the remaining 5 bottles sit for a year or two
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At the '15 Benvenuto tasting I liked the substantial feel of this wine, tasting it next to the rich, smoky, mineral '10 Madonna delle Grazie. Perhaps I was tasting some of the glamor of the single vineyard wine in this Brunello. On its own, this wine is less compelling, missing the energy often associated with '10 vintage. The red fruit is solid and framed by the soaked barrel aromatics, yet missing the sappy edginess of the single vineyard wine. The wine making style is reminiscent of Conti Costanti; the overall impression is of a less multifaceted, less intriguing wine. In the midsection, found craving for more minerality and that volatile aromatic complexity that is often, though not solely, associated with the Southern expression of Brunello. Approachable now -- finishes a little tannic, but without any off-putting astringency.
Benvenuto Brunello 2015 (2010 Brunello di Montalcino) (Gotham Hall, NYC): Slightly muted at first yet opened significantly with time in the glass to display an evolved nose of wild berries, dusty soil, potpourri and crushed fall leaves. Silky, dark red fruit caressed the palate in a more savory than sweet expression with clenching tannin which saturated the senses throughout the finish, leaving only dried red berry in its wake.
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4/12/2024 - Handy1 wrote: 93 Points
Pop n poured. Drinking nicely. Slight browning Medium body and acidity some complexity dark cherry some earthiness and graphite. Probably could have used some more air as didnt seem to quite open up
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3/25/2024 - BrunelloBob wrote: 93 Points
PnP, which is the play now. Gorgeous red cherry and violets nose. Aged nicely with a balanced palate of red/black fruit and secondary elements. Cola, coffee, graphite, olive? Great body. Drink now
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3/23/2024 - wirelesswine Likes this wine:
Not yet rating as I think this may still be too young, or needed longer air exposure. There's really nice cherry flavor, wet stone, pencil shaving, and something fresh and medicinal. Just not as open as I thought it might be at 13 years of age, and finishing a bit short. Will wait a few more years for my next bottle.
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3/16/2024 - BrendanMcS wrote: 96 Points
Excellent Brunello. Sad this is my last bottle. Still has years in it.
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1/12/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points
Prior bottle was a year ago and my notes remained quite consistent. When initially opened, the nose was all red cherry, but with some time, again showed black cherry, plum, earth and spice notes. Between medium and full bodied with very expressive and pretty black cherry upfront. Adds plum and darker black cherry through the middle with blackberry providing the high toned contrast. Just like my prior bottle, shows a lot of elegance and harmony through the middle, but perhaps not quite as much depth. Tannins, acidity and tart black cherry on the backside remain in good balance with the fruit. Finish shows spices, earth and mineral qualities. Overall, felt like this bottle showed very much in line with my prior one and while it has clearly held up quite well, it didn't take any significant positive steps forward, which makes me think it might be closer to peak than I anticipated. I'll plan to open my last bottle in Fall 2024.
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12/24/2023 - jsebiri wrote:
This was popped and poured , nice. 6 nights later we finished an excellent bottle of wine. Impressed again.
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12/2/2023 - BrendanMcS Likes this wine: 96 Points
One of my favorites, I haven’t been able to resist the temptation to drink young, but when the wine is this great, can you blame me? Wonderful nose, floral. Big mouthfeel with lots of cherry and red fruit; nectarine? Tobacco and earthy flavors follow quickly. Long finish with tame tannins. Really an excellent wine.
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11/27/2023 - daveyleis1 wrote: 95 Points
Open my first bottle and decanted for couple hours before grilling steak fillet, veggies and baked potatoes. Great color. All the tannins have mellowed out and the back of my tongue is dry. I love this wine. Drinking well!
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10/8/2023 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 95 Points
Dark red fruit, tilled soil, dried tobacco leaves and old shoe leather come together and deliver a wonderful Brunello full of depth and complexity. This wine from the cooler side of Moltalcino is delightfully refreshing with its medium acidity. At age thirteen, this wine still has a decade of great drinking in its future. Great juice.
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7/8/2023 - jsebiri wrote:
Second bottle of this from my cellar , I thought plenty of nice things going on w this wine. My freind was way more impressed than I was, better than good. Not as good as the last bottle I had in 2021.
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5/12/2023 - jeffjohnsonjj@hotmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Beautifully mature BdM. 5 years ago, this was bright and cherry filled. Tonight, the acidity and cherries were still there, but added tertiary notes added a touch of darkness and roundness. This may well improve but drinking wonderfully now.
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4/18/2023 - jnewman77 Likes this wine:
This was excellent if still a touch young; the nose was beautiful with red leaning fruit, mint, some green tobacco, orange peel, and violet. The palate showed lovely pure red fruits with elegance and style, but there were still plentiful tannins. Paired well with a rich lasagna, but probably better in another 3-5 years. If you really want to capture the freshness of the fruit, maybe drink sooner, but I think the balance will be better in a few years as the tannins smooth out.
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3/31/2023 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Notes of cherry and some fresh tobacco, bright acidity Nice finish very good Brunello.
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3/26/2023 - Scott Burg wrote:
First glass it was good. Over the next two hours opened up like a champ. Would buy all of this!!
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1/14/2023 - gmbdds wrote: 93 Points
Bright cherry and red licorice notes. Damp earth and leather secondary notes. Good body and acidic backbone. Quite open on an hour’s aeration without decant. Should be long lived but is captivating now.
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1/8/2023 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points
Black cherry, plum, earth and spice notes on a very pretty, blackfruit dominant nose. Between medium and full bodied (14.5% ABV) with black cherry upfront and adding darker plum, and brighter blackberry and black cherry behind. Mid-body is beautiful, showing depth as well as elegance. Tannins and acidity come in behind to provide contrast, but the bridge between the mid-body and finish is nearly seamless. The result is a wine that shows great depth of fruit through the middle, but in a defined and expressive fashion because of the structural qualities behind. Finishes with balanced spices, lingering mineral qualities and blackfruits. This wine has the structure to hold up and perhaps even improve slightly over the next few years. Glad I waited this long for my first bottle. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Fall 2023.
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12/17/2022 - 87tellub Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wine Club Holiday Party 2022: Medium to dark garnet. Getting cherry on the nose but strikes me as wound quite tight so will decant. Palate is somewhat approachable but structure certainly quite prominent at this stage. This is lovely but have to imagine you'll want to try it in 5-10 years from now, so definitely hold.
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11/12/2022 - finlero Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted three hours. Deep, mature garnet. Somewhat closed nose, black currant, dusty leather. Just a little sharp on the palate, red and black plum, licorice, a touch of clove. Long finish, with some lingering silty tannins. Il Marroneto is one of my very favorite winemakers, and this was anything but bad, but it didn't quite dazzle the way my previous bottle of 2010 did a year and a half ago. Maybe in a weird liminal place, maybe bottle variation, maybe a fickle taster. I will say that despite the mature color, this tastes really lively, and I'd imagine it has many years left in it, if it's even at peak yet. Enjoyed this!
EDIT: better half, who has a much better palate than I, loved this. She'll set a glass down decisively if she isn't enjoying a bottle; she'll nurse a single glass for the evening if she thinks it's good, not great; this was good for multiple pours.
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9/23/2022 - wineamateur wrote:
Hooligans: The pick of three Brunellos this evening. Lovely pure fruit, cherries with balsam, appetizing.
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8/22/2022 - Philasinger wrote:
Interestingly, there was no sediment whatsoever. Took all the precautions and not a smidge. Been sitting on its side since i bought it on release.
It was ok. Gave it about 4 hours in the decanter sipping along the way before dinner was served. Started light without much body so I was a little concerned. It did open but never really became anything great. Filled out with dried red fruits and hints of coffee. Drying tannins were still present.
I liked it but it didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for from a medium aged Brunello. Didn't hold a candle to the Il Poggione I had a couple months ago.
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7/18/2022 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted, but failed to filter it carefully. It's loaded with solids. Tastes wonderful and smells even better. Lots of sweet cherry notes. Very full bodied. VacUVined it and tried the next day. It was not good. I think I should have done the VacUVin action sooner.
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6/24/2022 - BrunelloBob wrote: 92 Points
Auction purchase. PnP. Coffee, cola, plumb. A nice top of the mouth grip gives this better length than my last bottle. No rush, but ready to drink
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5/22/2022 - Bordeaux42 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Strong floral nose upon open. Robust cherry with moderate tannin flavours. Mellowed after couple of hours. Drinking well and very enjoyable bottle!
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4/16/2022 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Notes of cherry, tobacco, with silky smooth tannins.
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3/5/2022 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Three hour decant. Cherry with raspberry, mid palate with mineral and earthy notes, bright acidity on the finish. IMHO this wine needs air of two plus hours. Very enjoyable.
Opened up further in the glass. Probably should be decanted for about four hours.
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1/28/2022 - Coupe 60 wrote:
PnP and sipped with friends last night. Poor decision on my part. Thick and closed wall of dark fruit, this needed either a few more years in the cellar or a few hours in a decanter.
Nog the besr experience, but I am writing it off to pilot error.
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12/26/2021 - matlee89 wrote: 91 Points
This was somewhat disappointing given the good reviews and long wait. Perhaps not the best bottle. Clearly dense and has years ahead. But not currently opening up despite decanting. Lacking the floral aromatics that I expected. Dominated by acid and tannins. Give it a few more years.
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12/26/2021 - jsebiri wrote:
This was delicious all around.
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12/17/2021 - wineamateur Likes this wine:
Ruby tinged with crimson; brighter than the Argiano drunk alongside. Vivid fruit-forward nose, cherries and raspberries, polished though with a hint of plastic. Graphite and iron. Dense on the palate, with obvious power in reserve, but beginning to open up, the tannins prominent but tamed and fine. Wonderful energy and tension here.
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11/15/2021 - Slaz Likes this wine: 94 Points
Has years ahead, approachable with decanting but not at its peak.
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10/23/2021 - 87tellub Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted and enjoyed over two nights. Medium dark garnet. Red cherries, fresh soil, espresso. Good energy on the palate which gives off bright red fruit. Spicy tannins with some grip. Cherry liquer and red licorice on the finish. Great concentration. Big and chewy without feeling heavy.
It seems to be hiding all it has, though, with a more one-dimensional showing relative to what I thought it should give. Just starting to show some more dimension at 7pm on night 2. I'd say ok to drink now, but certainly recommend holding.
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7/11/2021 - Zweder wrote: 93 Points
Very light red color. In the bouquet earthy flavors and herbs and spices. Same on the palate earth, sweet chocolate, good acidity and soft tannin. Young maturity stage now.
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5/10/2021 - finlero Likes this wine: 96 Points
Tasted in a vertical with the 2009. At 2 hours, they were both lovely, if remarkably similar. At 4 hours, the 2010 ran away with it. Round and plummy, with slate and earth, balanced acidity and a long, tannic finish. As food friendly as any Brunello, but the complexity really stood out when enjoyed on its own. Very drinkable now with a long decant, but has a solid decade left in it.
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4/17/2021 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Red Cherry with some chocolate and tobacco. Bright acidity with reduced tannins after opening. Would consider at least a two hour decant.
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2/6/2021 - BrunelloBob wrote: 91 Points
Fantastic nose, friggin' delicious. Could use more length and complexity.
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1/19/2021 - TGOT Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still lots of life. Tannins are heavy early in opening. Sweet leather, tobacco and earthy notes dominate. Wonderful mouthfeel.
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12/28/2020 - AAJR Likes this wine: 93 Points
Splash decanted - terrific wine. Silky smooth, balanced/good acidity with flavors of cherries & cranberries. Medium finish.
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9/20/2020 - DrZett wrote: 92 Points
Nice fresh nose with lots of red berries. Young cherries, blackberries and dried green herbs on the palate. Medium- bodied with a fresh acidity. Medium complexity. Nice finish - a little short maybe. Good now, will be more interesting with some more cellar time. (IG)
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7/25/2020 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry and bright acidity. Some chocolate on mid palate. Nice long finish with notes of cherry preserves. Very enjoyable after a two hour decant.
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5/30/2020 - BrendanMcS wrote: 95 Points
Last one of these I had was 2+ years ago, so I figured it would be a good time to pop open another one. Floral nose with some red berries in there. Palate is delightful, full of cherry, a little sweet, but finishes with a good spice to it. Maybe a little cranberry in there as well. Some black pepper. Tannins are smooth at this point as well. Well balanced with the acid and alcohol. Still remains excellent.
Decanted for 30 minutes or so and drank over the following few hours.
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5/30/2020 - BernieMSY wrote: 94 Points
Medium garnet color. Beautiful violet nose. Gorgeous Sangiovese fruit, lively acidity. Balanced and delicious.
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5/20/2020 - BrunelloBob wrote: 91 Points
PnP. Fig, plum, prune, grilled meat. Nicely balanced tannin.
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4/30/2020 - elyaz wrote: 93 Points
Tried on 3 different nights (same bottle), twice in blind tests against other 2010 Brunellos, once on its own. A+ nose, fruit and some earth, maybe a bit of vegetation in there. Lots of fruit on the palate, not dense but rather elegant and lifted. Almost juicy, but with a defined edge to it and plenty of structure. The best showing Brunello at this point, but perhaps not the longest lived.
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4/16/2020 - Artbreadman wrote: 93 Points
Bright and fragrant. Cherries, currants, faint dried flowers. Medium weight but lithe. Not so much a sipping wine as one that would really compliment a wide range of foods.
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4/4/2020 - Hawk94 Likes this wine: 94 Points
A fabulous Brunello! Delicious acidity, mouthwatering, blackberries, cranberries, currants, dates, prunes, smooth tannins, firm structure, mature, well balanced, lovely acidity, good depth, complex, elegant, lengthy aftertastes, lots of going on there, a signature Brunello. One of the best for this 2010 vintage.
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4/3/2020 - rickspicks wrote:
A bit disappointing in comparison with a prior bottle which I thought was outstanding. While there was much to like, it lacked focus and intensity and seemed a bit muddled and muted to my palate. I kept thinking it might open up and reveal a glorious wine, but it never did. I would be hard-pressed to give it more than about 90 points, but won't score it as I think there was something just "not right" about it.
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3/22/2020 - soyhead wrote:
Nose - tea, citrus-y, perfumed
Mouth - mid bodied, elegant, orange peel, cherry, nicely balanced, long drying tannins, a Brunello I can get behind
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10/23/2019 - Jvanwinkle Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely wine from ok Marraneto. Certainly not a blockbuster but well made, elegant and enjoyable. Had the typical hallmarks of Sangiovese from Montalcino without some of the austerity found in other bottlings. Worth a spin if you can find it.
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7/6/2019 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stylistically, this is an excellent Brunello, without any excess ripeness and with plenty of energy. The complication is that relative to my last tasting in 2/2016, this hasn't evolved that much, and it hasn't reached its peak yet: it remains fairly restrained and humble even after several hours of decanting. Much joy already but I'd hold off from popping one of these for a couple more years if at all possible.
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5/29/2019 - rocknroller wrote:
Mixed WTDS at Ciao Bella (Ciao Bella, Mpls): Very dark red color. Modern style, darker fruits, but still a bit rustic, pretty high octane, ok, but not ready. No score.
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5/29/2019 - chablis28 wrote:
David's btl tonight and still seeking balance and oak integration at this stage. My firs btl was pretty stubborn too.
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1/20/2019 - yossarian.livez Likes this wine: 92 Points
Floral notes, red fruit with underbrush notes on the nose. Red fruit with subtle sweetness, underbrush, earth, leather note before a savory finish. Medium bodied, medium acid, plush lifted mineral finish. Not heavy-handed in the slightest and it really hit it's stride after about a 30 min decant. Classic poised Brunello at the start of its drinking window. Drink now or hold another 10.
Really, if you wanted to know what Brunello is supposed to be, then this is it.
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12/14/2018 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for about 45 minutes. Restrained fruit with cherry and leather notes, in addition to hints of floral and herbaceous components.There are finely integrated tannins and alcohol. Bright acidity on the finish. This wine should probably benefit from several more years in the cellar. Must be decanted at this stage to fully enjoy IMHO.
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11/15/2018 - BrunelloBob wrote: 91 Points
PnP, third bottle.
Fantastic nose. Great, balanced palate. Typical 2010 quality
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11/11/2018 - randyjc wrote: 93 Points
Exceptional brunello - smells older than it is, with bits of leather and earth along with black plum. In the mouth, it’s alive - vivid acidity, pure bright red cherry, spice and black tea. Light-bodied. It is just as it should be.
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9/20/2018 - Grungenir182 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Elegant is how I would describe this wine. Very enjoyable and focused!
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8/15/2018 - Badmonkey wrote: 92 Points
Decided to revisit from a couple years ago - I thought it needed more time to soften/open-up. Ruby fruit - dark cherry, currants, dark raspberry, and a little blackberry. Smooth mid-palate, however, I was hoping for a little fuller/deeper fruit in light of the 95 rating from WA - medium body. Rich flavors of dark berries, some spice, and a mineral component. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep and still just a little tannic. Decanted for one hour and drank over a couple more. Improved a little with time but drinking pretty well after the decant. A nice wine but I expected more in consideration of the WA rating. WA anticipated maturity 2016 to 2028 so maybe it just needs some more time being in an early maturity window. Nonetheless, in my opinion closer to the 93 rating from Suckling at least at this stage. 100% sangiovese.
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4/21/2018 - vintman wrote: 95 Points
Although a more recent producer only bottling since 1980 it appears, I believe this is one of the top 20 or so Brunellos in my opinion. The 2010 is a very nice wine medium bodied, showing more minerality it seems than usual Brunello, and intoxicating aromas. I have read that the 35 year old vines are yielding some fantastic juice with traditional methods. Only producing 38 hectolitres per hectare along with increasing age in vines, I think this producer only gets better and better as it has over the past decade plus.
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12/31/2017 - BrendanMcS Likes this wine: 95 Points
Rustic red with a copper ring. Light fruit on the nose, mostly red berries or raspberry. Very interesting. Definite blackberry and pepper initially. Lots of flavor. Nice and complex. Nice mild spice to it as well. Moderately tannic. Excellent wine. One of my favorites if recent memory.
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11/6/2017 - wineguy75 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Not as enjoyable as past few bottles, especially compared to a lot of the over Brunellos I've had recently. Definitely lighter in style.
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9/9/2017 - macker100 wrote: 93 Points
Rich red color. Different stylistically from the Conti Constanti tasted last month, but equally as good. Wild raspberries, mocha, cherries on superb nose. Although still in its infant stage, produces great flavors of dark cherries, balsamic, minerals. Very smooth tannins. A great mix of elegance and power. Very fresh and long finish. 93+
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7/1/2017 - ShangGuy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark ruby color, modest fruity aroma. First brunello burst is soft, typical dark fruits, cherries ending in a nice earth finish, barny, dry long subtle linger. Very nice and slightly earthier finish since my last taste
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3/14/2017 - smphelps Likes this wine: 93 Points
I just think it's really good....sunburned rusty color...strawberries and cherries with spices and a ton of flavor
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11/27/2016 - AAJR Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted and consumed over 3 hours with a mixed cheese platter. Lite earthy, floral & berry aromas. Flavors of red cherries. Tannic and powerful, medium finish. First of six bottles - recommend revisiting in 2 years.
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10/22/2016 - pavel_p Likes this wine: 93 Points
A Brunello day (Singapore): Brunello master class. This was showing better here than at the general tasting. Likely due to the more air this had seen. Herbal and earthy with pretty fruit, another very good 2010.
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10/22/2016 - pavel_p wrote: 91 Points
A Brunello day (Singapore): Matter of taste in Singapore. Translucent garnet, bigger body than the 2011 but rather tense and closed, medium + tannins, some bitterness. This was a recently opened bottle and did not show as well as the one in the Brunello master class later on which must have seen more air. Here 91+
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10/21/2016 - ShangGuy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Matter of taste tasting. Red inky color and subtle aroma. Great Brunello burst with red fruits - cherries and strawberries. Wonderful finish with modest linger
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10/21/2016 - BrendanMcS wrote: 94 Points
Excellent but still a bit young. Very full bodied and fruity initially. Soft tannins that should mellow with age. Great medium spice to it. Looking forward to drinking for the next decade.
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10/20/2016 - Collector1855 wrote: 94 Points
Brunello di Montalcino 2010 - 30 top names of the vintage (Singapore): During a dinner and a day later during a matter of taste event, Brunello Masterclass. Medium garnet. Expressive nose of tobacco, red and dark fruit, earth, spices. Tannins still pronounced, a touch rustic, good freshness, typicity and balance. Needs some time but will be a winner.
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10/17/2016 - Tim Heaton wrote:
See swapdoc's note of July 2015, he/she nailed it. I'll be opening a 2011 soon, and I've got fingers crossed. A nice wine, just not a special, or soulful wine.
Aerated 3 hours in decanter, served non-blind.
https://italianwine.blog/
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10/3/2016 - Christoffer78 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wonderful effort full of deep red fruit, wet saddle leather, sandal wood and a lovely complexity. The palate adds balance and integration together with seamless acidity and subtle sandy tannins. Texture and structure are both present, but the wine is certainly very enjoyable today too. Length on the finish lasts some 45 seconds and makes this wine a true joy. Overall impression is very positive.
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7/21/2016 - rickspicks wrote: 95 Points
PnP and ready to go after about 30 minutes. Definitely in the traditional style, this is all about elegance rather than power. Feminine like a Grand Cru burgundy (Musigny?), translucent and absolutely, totally delicious. Perfect balance, great depth and intensity, bright acidity, terrific complexity and a silky smooth texture. Flavors of leather, dried cherry, dried berry, violets and cocoa. I thought the flavors were dominated by the leather, but my wife thought it was the cocoa. Taut and bursting with energy and verve. This was really spectacular and an absolute joy to drink. In spite of its light weight, it was a perfect match with rib-eye steaks. 94-95
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6/7/2016 - wineguy75 Likes this wine: 94 Points
1 hr decant. Pleasantly surprised. Well balanced, nice fruit, pleasant finish. On the feminine side for a Brunello. Looking forward to how this wine evolves over the years.
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5/12/2016 - rockguit wrote: 95 Points
15-minute decant. A Burgundy drinker's Brunello—super-elegant, medium-weight. Silky mouthfeel; almost delicate, but richly complex in the middle.
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4/2/2016 - chablis28 wrote: 90 Points
Ist sip on pulling the cork was tannic and closed. Decanted for 90 minutes and back into btl. Started drinking in earnest about 3 hours after opening. Decanting helped but this btl was pretty stubborn. Light ruby color. My btl seemed relatively closed. Elegant and refined but with limited expression at this point. I've had more ready to go 2010s then this one. Weight and balance are great but I'll let my last two sleep till 2020+.
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2/21/2016 - Slaz Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of the more elegant and memorable 2010 Brunellos. Closed upon opening but (misleadingly) accessible after few hours of decanting. Silky on the palate, with great mid-palate and long finish. This can be stunningly good (95+ points?) by 2018-2019; it will be hard to resist enjoying it sooner.
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11/22/2015 - rlove wrote: 91 Points
Nose of wild berry, tobacco, and dried leaf. Savory red fruit in the mouth, with a long palate-staining finish of wild berry. Although already quite aromatically accessible, I'd give this time to resolve some of the tannins. Drink starting 2018.
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11/4/2015 - tbone wrote:
Pinot lovers BdM on night 1. Decanted for 2 hours, wine is light bodied and nicely aromatic with minerals, rotting leaves, faint traces of red fruits. Rocks and fruit on palate with lots of lift and mouth puckering tannins. Clean and transparent. So very different from other Brunellos, definitely on the more feminine side. I really like this style and would think it will only improve in cellar but so tempting to drink now.
Day 2 after being vacuvined and put in fridge. Dulled a bit and put on a bit of weight. Did not improve. Overall I like this wine though.
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10/2/2015 - jww Likes this wine: 90 Points
slightly sweet dark and complex pomegranate and citrus
Minerally with coffe and cedar undertones
Will let the remaining 5 bottles sit for a year or two
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7/6/2015 - swapdoc wrote:
At the '15 Benvenuto tasting I liked the substantial feel of this wine, tasting it next to the rich, smoky, mineral '10 Madonna delle Grazie. Perhaps I was tasting some of the glamor of the single vineyard wine in this Brunello. On its own, this wine is less compelling, missing the energy often associated with '10 vintage. The red fruit is solid and framed by the soaked barrel aromatics, yet missing the sappy edginess of the single vineyard wine. The wine making style is reminiscent of Conti Costanti; the overall impression is of a less multifaceted, less intriguing wine. In the midsection, found craving for more minerality and that volatile aromatic complexity that is often, though not solely, associated with the Southern expression of Brunello. Approachable now -- finishes a little tannic, but without any off-putting astringency.
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1/24/2015 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 93 Points
Red currant, spice, cedar, layered complexity. A/A-
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1/20/2015 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 91 Points
Benvenuto Brunello 2015 (2010 Brunello di Montalcino) (Gotham Hall, NYC): Slightly muted at first yet opened significantly with time in the glass to display an evolved nose of wild berries, dusty soil, potpourri and crushed fall leaves. Silky, dark red fruit caressed the palate in a more savory than sweet expression with clenching tannin which saturated the senses throughout the finish, leaving only dried red berry in its wake.
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