It still strikes me as a little weird how excellent 2010 was just about everywhere (in the Northen Hemisphere?). This is one of my far too few Brunellos of this vintage, but I’m delighted to have some primo wines reaching a happy age while the Barolos, Burgundies and Bordeaux continue their cold dark slumber.
This Ragnaie is right in the zone. Classy nose of cherries, Tuscan herbs, and a deep rich crunchy palate with some structure still remaining but works great with food (tonight a variety of fairly rich pastas at SPQR in San Francisco). Ragnaie pulls off that wonderful magic trick of a Brunello that is deep and expressive, but still lithe, beautifully balanced, and a gentle dancing partner to classic Italian flavors. Not dominating, not subservient, just right there, spinning, alternately stepping back and forward. Lovely.
Oh. Popped at the restaurant, gently decanted off the sediment, then had at it. Evolved nicely over a few hours, but great all along.