2010 Fonterenza, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany Italy.
One of the purest, clear and elegant Brunello out there, the 2010 Fonterenza is really showing fantastic with wonderful depth of character, vintage power and natural balance, it reminds me of Soldera or a young Biondi Santi! Sisters Margarita and Francesca Padovani hand craft Campi di Fonterenza, and while they are a very young winery, having only started production of Brunello in 2004, after having taking over the family estate in 1997, they have a great reputation for quality and style. Margarita planted the first plots in 1999 and they are totally biodynamic, something rather unique in Montalcino, but becoming more and more common as the quality becomes more apparent. The Brunello di Montalcino 2010 is basically a Riserva since it was only just released after 5 full years of aging, 100% Sangiovese Grosso and made in minimalist fashion with no flashy new oak or turbo charging, this is low intervention traditional wine at it’s finest. Francesca and Margarita’s latest Brunello starts with black currant, lilac floral tones, spicy notes and mineral with earthy elements adding Burgundy like charm to the graceful fruit. There is plenty of grip and underlying verve here with fine grain tannin forming a straight and firm spinal backbone as well as a lifting acidity which is life giving and will help this amazing Brunello live for a couple of decades, but it is the fruit that seduces here and the gorgeous detail and layers of terroir influenced flavors that fill the palate and linger on the exceptional finish. The mouth feel is full and has great impact with wild plum, red berries, minty herb, anise, cigar wrapper, bitter coco, loamy stones, mulberry and hints of iron, cedar and balsamic dipped sweet strawberries. This is seriously glorious Brunello with just enough rustic authentic edges to keep it grounded and exciting, this is impressive and alluring wine that you’d want for a special occasion, this spectacular Brunello from Fonterenza is a must have, and don’t miss their poised and deep Rosso di Montalcino either, it over delivers in it’s price class. Drink this Campi di Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino 2010 from 2018 to 2032.
($99 Est.) 96 Points, grapelive
