2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Tuscany

I am absolutely impressed by Argiano's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine veers towards the modern and international side of the Brunello style spectrum. Thanks to the high caliber of the vintage, style does not trump quality. The bouquet peels back to reveal black cherry, black currant, spice, cigar box and rosemary twig. Distant notes of chocolate and toasted almond play supporting roles. The wine offers extraordinary texture with firm tannins that are balanced out against the soft plushness of the fruit. This is a terrific Brunello.

96 points robertparker.com

The 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is one of those wines that quietly reminds you why Brunello sits among the world’s great reds. This is old school Montalcino at its most assured, shaped by patience, place and a vintage that many locals still talk about with a smile. Argiano’s hilltop estate lies just south of the town of Montalcino, where galestro and limestone soils combine with altitude and steady breezes to give Sangiovese both power and natural poise.

Argiano itself is steeped in history. The estate dates back to the late 1500s and has long been considered one of the great traditional voices of the region. By the time 2010 rolled around, the philosophy was clear. Estate grown fruit only, long fermentations, extended ageing in large oak and above all a commitment to letting Sangiovese tell its own story without make up. The Riserva is made only in exceptional years and spends extra time resting in cask and bottle before release, emerging fully formed yet still full of promise.

In the glass, this wine is all about depth and harmony. Aromas of sour cherry, dried rose, blood orange and wild herbs rise slowly, followed by notes of leather, tobacco, ironstone and gentle spice. The palate is powerful but calm, with layered fruit, savoury undertones and tannins that feel woven rather than imposed. There is a wonderful sense of drive and freshness running through the core, carrying the finish long and steady.

This is a wine that loves time at the table. Slow cooked lamb, bistecca alla fiorentina, porcini risotto or aged pecorino all feel right at home. While already deeply expressive, it is far from finished and will continue to evolve beautifully for many years, developing more earthy, truffle like complexity as it ages. For collectors, this is a benchmark vintage and a reminder of how graceful Brunello can be when everything aligns.