1 | Wine | Page 377

"Pure, superripe aromas of red cherry, violet, iodine and nutmeg. Superrich, highly concentrated and seamless, with densely packed flavors of raspberry, dark plum and marzipan. Finishes creamy-rich and explosively long, with a pretty violet note. This was so good I really had trouble letting the glass go. It's also the only time I can remember Fontalloro outclassing Rancia (of which I am a huge fan) by such a wide margin, something I had noticed even when tasting barrel samples of these two wines in the estate's cellar two years ago. I'd wait a good five years on this one, then enjoy it for another two decades. Proof positive that sangiovese is one of the world's great grape varieties."

"Offers a smooth, supple mix of cherry, cranberry, spice and cedar flavors, which are well-integrated with accents of strawberry, cola and red licorice."

"This fruity, intense, deeply flavoured red displays bags of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavours interwined with violets and liquorice. This unoaked style preserves the pure fruit of the region."

"The 2010 Bettina is drop dead gorgeous. Mint, cloves, flowers, menthol and licorice are some of the many notes that burst from the glass. The 2010 is all about nuance, delineation and precision. There is a vibrancy to the 2010 that is simply striking. Dark blue and black fruit, balsamic notes, crushed rocks and pencil shavings are all layered into the powerful, mineral-infused finish. This is a stellar showing from Bryant."

"It has an attractive bouquet of yellow plum, dried flowers and grapefruit that is very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with light peach notes on the entry. It needs a little more tension, especially on the finish, but it is still endowed with lovely light apricot and buttery notes towards the finish."