Lisini, Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2010

No doubt I will say more than once that the 2010 vintage for Brunello is outstanding — as good as it gets.  Lisini, a traditional producer who rarely falters, made one of the star wines of the vintage.  With an enormous initial aromatic impact, their 2010 delivers an alluring combination of flavors — earth and cherries — wrapped in firm, but polished, tannins.  A traditionally framed wine — no aging in barriques — its fine texture adds to its grandeur.  This is a young and vigorous wine with impeccable balance and great length that needs at least a decade of bottle age. There are a few bottles going into my cellar.