Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Argiano 2010

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.