Wine Advocate (96)

From an iconic vintage that gave generously to all grape varieties across almost all of Tuscany, this wine ranks high on the Fontodi billboard of greatest hits. The 2010 Flaccianello della Pieve is a rock solid wine that sits firm and begins to peel slowly, each delicate layer at a time. It puts on quite a show with a solid core of dark fruit followed by smoke, spice, tar, licorice and delicate blue flower. On previous tastings of this vintage, I had scored it 97 and 97+ points, respectively. I'm going down one point at this sitting because the wine's fiber has unraveled, ever so slightly, at the edges. It still maintains that solid core, but the wine has taken an important jump forward in its evolution these past three years. Evidently, it is currently in a phase of relaxation and unwinding. Beautifully polished notes of Mediterranean herb and dried mint appear on the long, glossy finish. Giovanni Manetti compares the 2010 vintage to 2006 but considers this vintage slightly more approachable overall.

Wine Advocate (96)

From an iconic vintage that gave generously to all grape varieties across almost all of Tuscany, this wine ranks high on the Fontodi billboard of greatest hits. The 2010 Flaccianello della Pieve is a rock solid wine that sits firm and begins to peel slowly, each delicate layer at a time. It puts on quite a show with a solid core of dark fruit followed by smoke, spice, tar, licorice and delicate blue flower. On previous tastings of this vintage, I had scored it 97 and 97+ points, respectively. I'm going down one point at this sitting because the wine's fiber has unraveled, ever so slightly, at the edges. It still maintains that solid core, but the wine has taken an important jump forward in its evolution these past three years. Evidently, it is currently in a phase of relaxation and unwinding. Beautifully polished notes of Mediterranean herb and dried mint appear on the long, glossy finish. Giovanni Manetti compares the 2010 vintage to 2006 but considers this vintage slightly more approachable overall.

Wine Advocate (96)

From an iconic vintage that gave generously to all grape varieties across almost all of Tuscany, this wine ranks high on the Fontodi billboard of greatest hits. The 2010 Flaccianello della Pieve is a rock solid wine that sits firm and begins to peel slowly, each delicate layer at a time. It puts on quite a show with a solid core of dark fruit followed by smoke, spice, tar, licorice and delicate blue flower. On previous tastings of this vintage, I had scored it 97 and 97+ points, respectively. I'm going down one point at this sitting because the wine's fiber has unraveled, ever so slightly, at the edges. It still maintains that solid core, but the wine has taken an important jump forward in its evolution these past three years. Evidently, it is currently in a phase of relaxation and unwinding. Beautifully polished notes of Mediterranean herb and dried mint appear on the long, glossy finish. Giovanni Manetti compares the 2010 vintage to 2006 but considers this vintage slightly more approachable overall.

Vinous (93+)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is delicious. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spices jump from the glass as this bold, fruit-driven Brunello fleshes out, showing off its extroverted personality. Layers of intense fruit continue to build as the wine opens up in the glass. Ideally, readers should give the 2010 a few years in bottle for the tannins to settle down a bit. This is a fine effort from Fossacolle.

Wine Advocate (97)

An outstanding surprise, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a monumental wine. The Rennina single vineyard is said to be more feminine compared to the bolder fruit sourced in the nearby Sugarille cru. But in the 2010 vintage, you definitely get a compelling sense of power, density and extraction. What distinguishes the wine is the delicate mineral signature that appears through the thick texture of the fruit. It's like background music that gives cozy ambiance to an elaborately furnished ballroom. I consider the 2010 Rennina a masterpiece and, again, I just don't know how Angelo Gaja does it. He is the winemaker with the Midas touch. Truth be told, the wine does lack territory-driven typicity. But it's just so darn good, it hardly matters. It will continue its evolution for 10-20 years. Congratulations.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. Sangiovese specifically requires the perfect growing conditions to show its magic, and this vintage delivers those special qualities in troves. You are aware of the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens softly on the bouquet with elegance and grace. This bottle shows stunning complexity with a bouquet that peels back to reveal dark cherry, spice, balsam herb and dried violets. The mouthfeel has yielded to a greater sense of inner softness and mellowness since I last tasted this gorgeous wine upon its commercial release.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. Sangiovese specifically requires the perfect growing conditions to show its magic, and this vintage delivers those special qualities in troves. You are aware of the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens softly on the bouquet with elegance and grace. This bottle shows stunning complexity with a bouquet that peels back to reveal dark cherry, spice, balsam herb and dried violets. The mouthfeel has yielded to a greater sense of inner softness and mellowness since I last tasted this gorgeous wine upon its commercial release.

The Jacopo Biondi Santi Sassoalloro 2010 hails from the heart of Tuscany, meticulously crafted amid the rolling hills of the Eskandhani estate. This rich red wine pulses with the very soul of the Sangiovese grape, locally known as 'Brunello'. As the proud testimony of Italian viticulture, Jacopo Biondi Santi nurtures his vineyard using traditional Tuscan methods, merging age-old techniques with innovative approaches to finesse a wine of unchallenged quality and character.

The Sassoalloro 2010 is the epitome of fine wine, revealing potent notes of black cherry, tobacco and Mediterranean spices to captivate the palate. Aged in French oak barrels for 14 months, this wine has attained a harmonious balance of complexity and smooth-refined tannins. Encapsulating noble lineage and tradition, the Jacopo Biondi Santi Sassoalloro 2010 is a confluence of innovation and authenticity - a discerning choice for the refined oenophile.

James Suckling (97)

Fascinating aromas of dried flowers, sandalwood, cedar and plums. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Gloriously complex and savory. Dusty texture. Just makes you want to drink it.

Wine Advocate (92)

The La Fortuna 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a balanced and forthcoming wine that offers a bright core of berry fruit that is evenly offset by spicy notes of allspice and cardamom seed. The wine boasts a great sense of balance throughout with savory tones of tobacco and cured meat that underline its recent aging evolution. This Riserva should promise a solid ten-year drinking window.

Wine Enthusiast (99)

Released after 10 years aging in the estate's cellars, this drop-dead gorgeous, classy red shows its celebrated pedigree. Made from vineyards that once supplied grapes for the famous Biondi Santi Riservas, this stunning red opens with classic aromas of red berry, rose, dark spice and crushed herb, while the radiant, elegantly structured palate delivers juicy red cherry, orange zest, licorice and crushed mint before a mineral note graces the long finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep it impeccably balanced.

Vinous (96)

The 2010 Messorio boasts stunning depth and richness. Over the last few months, the 2010 has found a new level of finesse that wasn't apparent earlier this year. Hints of dark cherry, plum, cloves and tar flesh out on the huge, powerful finish. Although the 2010 is years away from offering its finest drinking, its class and personality are impossible to miss. Patience will be a virtue.

Vinous (97)

Fine, silky tannins provide the backdrop for the 2010 Paleo Rosso, a wine that captivates for its exquisite, graceful personality. Sweet, perfumed aromatics jump from the glass, followed by dark notes of red and black stone fruit, melted road tar, spices and espresso, all woven together in a fabric of pure class. The 2010 boasts stunning depth and volume, but is never heavy. All the elements are simply in the right place, but readers will need to give the tannins a few years to soften a bit further.

James Suckling (96)

Extremely perfumed with rose petal, blueberry, fresh mushroom and plum character. Full body, super silky tannins and a dried, slightly raisiny finish, but this is delicious and luscious. Fruit cake center palate. Immediate impact here. Drink or hold.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

A wine of extraordinary purity, silkiness and finesse, the 2010 Masseto has it all. The flavors are bright, precise and exceptionally pure, but it is the wine’s total balance that is utterly compelling. What more can I ask from a wine? Absolutely nothing. There is often something magical about cooler, later-ripening vintages at the estate. The interplay of more moderate conditions with the inherent power of these sites can yield wines of profound beauty and brilliance. The 2010 is all that, and more.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

A wine of extraordinary purity, silkiness and finesse, the 2010 Masseto has it all. The flavors are bright, precise and exceptionally pure, but it is the wine’s total balance that is utterly compelling. What more can I ask from a wine? Absolutely nothing. There is often something magical about cooler, later-ripening vintages at the estate. The interplay of more moderate conditions with the inherent power of these sites can yield wines of profound beauty and brilliance. The 2010 is all that, and more.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

A wine of extraordinary purity, silkiness and finesse, the 2010 Masseto has it all. The flavors are bright, precise and exceptionally pure, but it is the wine’s total balance that is utterly compelling. What more can I ask from a wine? Absolutely nothing. There is often something magical about cooler, later-ripening vintages at the estate. The interplay of more moderate conditions with the inherent power of these sites can yield wines of profound beauty and brilliance. The 2010 is all that, and more.

Wine Advocate (96)

The flagship estate wine, 2010 Monteverro, is absolutely stunning. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Vineyards are located on a soft incline at the foot of Capalbio facing the glimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The enormity of this wine cannot be exaggerated: Dark fruit, chocolate and spice make for a rich and opulent first impression. The excellence of the 2010 vintage is on full display thanks to the integrity of the fruit, the supple richness of the mouthfeel and the tangy sweetness of the finish. Monteverro is a relatively new estate that shows enormous promise. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

How many dinners anywhere start with a wine on a level with the 2010 Ornellaia? I imagine not many. But that’s exactly the way we get going. Super-expressive aromatics soar out of the glass as the 2010 shows off its personality. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, mocha and tar wrap around a core of intense dark fruit. Racy, powerful and majestic, the 2010 is a total stunner.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

How many dinners anywhere start with a wine on a level with the 2010 Ornellaia? I imagine not many. But that’s exactly the way we get going. Super-expressive aromatics soar out of the glass as the 2010 shows off its personality. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, mocha and tar wrap around a core of intense dark fruit. Racy, powerful and majestic, the 2010 is a total stunner.

Vinous (94+)

Very complex and perfumed aromas of black cherry, violet, black tea and minerals. Also complex and perfumed on the palate, with savory blackberry, black pepper and spice flavors showing multilayered depth and a bright mineral overlay. Finishes bright and long, with a fine dusting of noble tannins and a lovely light touch. A lighter styled Galatrona, but a knockout wine.

Vinous (94+)

Very complex and perfumed aromas of black cherry, violet, black tea and minerals. Also complex and perfumed on the palate, with savory blackberry, black pepper and spice flavors showing multilayered depth and a bright mineral overlay. Finishes bright and long, with a fine dusting of noble tannins and a lovely light touch. A lighter styled Galatrona, but a knockout wine.

The Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino 2010 hails from the idyllic hills of Tuscany, crafted meticulously by the esteemed Pian dell'Orino winery. The distinctive terroir, consisting of marl and limestone-rich hills, provides the stage for these exceptional Sangiovese grapes.

Savour the garnet hue and aroma of wild cherries and spices, a testament to the artisanal biodynamic farming methods. The Brunello di Montalcino 2010 offers a rich, full-bodied palate, laced with velvety tannins. But it's the persistence of its classically Tuscan bright, tart, and tangy flavour that sets this vintage apart.

Jan Hendrik Erbach and Caroline Pobitzer, Pian dell'Orino's passionate custodians, produce a limited quantity to ensure impeccable quality. Their philosophy of 'less is more' is echoed in every sip of the Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino 2010, underlining its status as a paragon amongst Italian wines. Truly, a treasure for every connoisseur's cellar.

Vinous (97+)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante is rich, powerful and explosive, with fabulous depth, heady aromatics and stunning balance. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, rose petals, mint, white pepper and a hint of orange peel are some of the many notes that inform this gracious, utterly captivating Brunello. The high-toned aromatics and punchy fruit give the 2010 much of its sizzling energy. Delicate, powerful and finessed all at the same time, the Vigneti del Versante is one of the wines of the year.

Vinous (90)

Poggio Antico's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a dark, sensual beauty. Black cherries, mocha, smoke, licorice, leather and cloves meld together in a racy, powerful Brunello built on pure texture. The style is rich, racy and super-intense, with silky tannins that support the structured finish. The 2010 spent three years in cask.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly and gracefully before it shows its full potential. This slow moving bouquet is a beautiful quality that is shared by many of the best wines from this stellar vintage. Once it gets started, this Brunello offers wild berry, graphite, tar and balsam herb tones that are direct and focused. This wine is steady and sure. It also reveals balanced acidity that adds to the length and the polished feel that this wine majestically projects. This vintage from Poggio di Sotto should evolve at a slow pace for the next 10-15 years.

James Suckling (100)

A young Brunello with precision and complexity showing violets, blackberries, bramble berries, tea leaf and minerals. Stone undertones, too. Full body, a compressed palate and firm and velvety tannins. Powerful and long. Truly fantastic. Breathtaking. Better in 2018.

Vinous (98)

One of the many highlights in this vertical, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is exceptionally beautiful. Today, the 2010 comes across as refined and polished, with veins of bright acidity that give the wines its sense of energy, drive and polish. Over the last few months, the 2010 has begun to close in on itself. I can't say that is surprising given how much stuffing there is. Readers lucky enough to own the 2010 are in for a real treat. When all is said and done, the 2010 is profound and riveting in every way.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

This supremely elegant and age-worthy Sassicaia opens with an intense bouquet of black cherry, Mediterranean herbs, blue flower, cedar and leather aromas. Powerful but graceful, the palate delivers a vibrant core of black cherry accented with white pepper, mineral and balsamic notes alongside youthful but polished tannins and vibrant acidity. It's not as exuberant as some of its counterparts, but it may outlive all the other Bolgheri 2010s. Drink 2018–2040.