2010 Castello Romitorio, Brunello di Montalcino, Filo di Seta

Depicting Capri's Grotta Azzurra on the label, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is an oak-driven expression with elaborate tones of cinnamon, vanilla and roasted coffee bean that wrap thickly around fruity tones of blackberry and blackcurrant. The wine is soft and yielding with a rich embroidery of soft tannins and pulpy fruit extraction. There is that characteristic touch of bright acidity you get with Sangiovese. This pretty Brunello delivers all the qualities needed for medium and long-term drinking. It does need another two or three years of bottle aging however to fully flesh out.

Deep ruby with orange tinges. Balsamic with hints of undergrowth, tobacco leaf and oak on the nose and concentrated on the palate with a ripe and powerful finish. Proper Brunello, if not the most complex. (WS)