Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Tuscany, Italy) 2011

This exceptionally well-made Brunello from the 2011 vintage shows perfectly ripened fruit that enables the wine to excel in all respects.  There’s not the slightest whiff of green tones nor any indication of heat or over-ripeness, resulting in a wine that shows lovely purity and freshness but also a host of subtle complexities (subtle spices, newly-tanned leather, fresh meat).  At once elegant and generous, this is already delicious but built to improve for another five years.  Platinum Award winner at the 2016 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.