2011 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino

The new year has started off with a bang for Donatella Cinelli Colombini. Her 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is an articulate and generous red that is endowed with thick layers of dark fruit, plum, cassis, sweet spice and moist chewing tobacco. This estate definitely presents a modern style of Brunello, but this expression shows less obvious oak compared to the wines made five years ago or more. The house style continues to show a slow evolution that puts emphasis on elegance and purity. Having said that, this Brunello also offers the immediate qualities needed for near-term consumption. You can drink it relatively soon or hold off altogether. This wine could go either way. (ML)