2010 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1186042
97 points
James Suckling
Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give the red a wonderful juiciness. It dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold.
(12/2014)
94 points
Wine Advocate
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino ushers forth a new stylistic chapter in the wines of Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Gone are those overt oak notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate and moist chewing tobacco. Instead, this fresh and streamlined wine renews its effort to put Sangiovese in prime positioning. The bouquet shows dark cherry, ginger and grilled herb. Instead of immediacy, this wine is engineered for longevity and that comes as a surprise considering that Castelgiocondo has historically been one of the biggest advocates of what is now dubbed "international" Brunello. With the 2010 vintage, this estate goes back to its traditional roots. The wine is young now and needs about five more years to complete its cellar evolution. (ML)
(2/2015)
93 points
Vinous
Dark red cherry, smoke, plum, wild flowers and cedar are some of the notes that flesh out in the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino from Castelgiocondo. Ripe, soft and textured on the palate, the 2010 impresses for its silkiness and early approachability. Sweet floral and spiced notes reappear on the finish, adding considerable lift and perfume. This is a lovely showing from Castelgiocondo and the Frescobaldi family. (AG)
(2/2015)
K&L Notes
K&L Italian buyer Greg St. Clair points to the Bordeaux training of Castelgiocondo's winemaker, who has combined that education with Montalcino's traditional large oak cask aging. He says that this approach gives Castelgiocondo's Brunellos a "determined focal point, length, and mid-palate power that leads to bold, direct, and richly textured flavors."