Brunelli's 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to soft and succulent fruit tones. The wine is immediate and accessible. It can be consumed without any significant cellar aging. Bold and simple layers of dark fruit, plum, spice and leather characterize the bouquet. In the mouth, this Brunello is yielding and mild in terms of structure. The effect is simple and honest.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a bold and tightly layered wine that delivers an impressive performance. The bouquet is firmly stitched together and seamless although it also shows a powerful rush of red cherry, blackberry, spice, tar, cola and grilled herbs. There is a modern touch of cinnamon and toasted espresso bean that gives the wine an added sense of depth and lasting importance. In the mouth, this Riserva reveals tight structure and tangy acidity.

A supple style, with floral, cherry, menthol and tobacco flavors. On the soft side for the vintage, with light tannins gracing the finish. Drink now through 2020. 340 cases made. –BS

This Brunello shows some attractive citrus and plum character, and cedar too, but it turns a little lean and short on the finish. There may be a little too much new wood in the maturation. Best after 2010. 665 cases made. -JS