The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is striking. Dark red berries, flowers, licorice and mint are some of the many notes that flow from this structured, tightly wound Rosso. I very much like the energy and verticality of the 2010. This is a serious wine that will require some time and patience. Readers who enjoy firm, structured Sangioveses will flip out over the 2010. The 2010 was aged 60% in neutral barriques and 40% in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Proprietor Francesco Monaci and consulting oenologist Fabrizio Moltard showed me a wide range of wines during my recent visit. Monaci describes 2007 as a year with no winter. Overall temperatures were warmer than normal, but without heat spikes. The harvest took place in the early part of September, about ten days earlier than normal. The estate is gradually moving to a greater use of cask for its Brunello, a change that is allowing much more nuance to come through in the wines. As always, fermentations are done with indigenous yeasts and the malos take place in oak. All of the estate’s vineyards are Brunello-designated, including those used for the Rosso. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484