Brunello di Montalcino, Cerbaiona (Molinari) 2011

Cerbaiona's 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the protagonists of the vintage. There is no denying the sheer beauty and focus of this wine. It makes a fabulous first impact with super sharp tones of wild berry, cola, balsam herb, flint and crushed oyster shell. Those drying mineral notes leave a lasting impression. In the mouth, this wine is super elegant, tight and delicately nuanced. Unfortunately, I have not had the best track record with aged Brunello from Cerbaiona (ten years or more) personally, but I am hopeful that a wine of this caliber and depth will restore my faith. No matter what the aging trajectory ultimately demonstrates, this wine certainly does taste fantastic at this young stage.

Lustrous ruby with a narrow orange rim. Enticing nose of red fruit, oatmeal and herbs. Succulent fruit, but still very embryonic and with youthful sweetness. Firm, slightly drying tannins but you can see these will integrate with more bottle age, which it needs. Sleek yet firm.