Il Palazzone Brunello 2010

~ The Due Porte Vineyard on the Il Palazzone Estate ~

Consistency. Purity. Utmost quality.  These are the words that leap to mind when I savor a bottle of the 2010 Il Palazzone Brunello.  From the first time I enjoyed this wine it impressed.  It has never seemingly been shy, or shut down, or in a dumb phase.  It seems poised to excel with each pop of the cork.

The Il Palazzone estate is a small endeauvor consisting of three vineyards that are scattered throughout the zone.  The one pictured above is the estate vineyard, located closest to Montalcino.  The other two vineyards are located near Castelnuovo dell’Abate but the three vary in age. Additionally,  soils, trace minerals and varying elevations also contribute to the complexities of Il Palazzone’s Brunello, a fact that often highlights the potential effects of any discussion surrounding sub-zoning.  It’s been a little over a year since I last tried today’s subject wine, so I looked forward to checking in.

~ New fermenting vessels in the Il Palazzone winery ~

Perhaps I’ve stolen the wine’s own thunder, but as you might have guessed, the 2010 Il Palazzone Brunello is simply outstanding.  We recently brought the wine to a local BYO ristorante to include it as part of my birthday celebration.  It did not let down.

In the glass, the wine is a brilliant, shimmering ruby with lots of violet reflections.  An unfamiliar glance may notice the lighter color, but don’t let that fool you.  This is a full bodied gem of a wine.  Aromas pour forth featuring fresh flowers, sage, bright wild berry fruit and hints of chestnut.  On the palate the wine is remarkably pure for its wild berry flavors tinged with spice, tobacco leaf, dusty minerals and soft wood notes. It’s full bodied and powerful but coats itself in an elegant frame.  Glides and skips on your palate effortlessly and retains its fresh acidity through the long, mouth watering finish.  It’s hard to beat this.  97 points.  About $75 upon release.  The 2012 will soon be released, so if this review gets you thinking, be ready.

~ The 2010 Il Palazzone Brunello impresses. Although the restaurant was somewhat dark, you can still see the color of the wine ~