Donatella Cinelli Colombini Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 750ml

Blue-flower, iris, spiced berry, new leather and damp earth aromas shape the enticing nose. The smooth elegant palate has great focus, doling out juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote and tobacco framed in polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balance and lends nice tension that carries through to the licorice close. Drink 2021–2033. (Kerin O’Keefe)

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with only 6,500 bottles made) is a layered and structured wine that delivers a polar opposite experience especially when you compare this wine to the lighthearted annata 2014 Brunello. This riserva embodies power, grit and textural richness. It also delivers a robust and slightly evolved bouquet with dark fruit, spice and leather. In comparison, the wine from 2014 is thinner and more fruit forward. This wine is suited for grilled meats and steak. It’s a hearty winter wine for sure.

This has some very ripe and intense aromas with kirsch and earthy, woody complexity, as well as rich black cherries. The palate is smooth and succulent with ample fine tannins, bathed in dark-berry and plum flavors. Drink or hold.

This is dense, packed with black cherry, blackberry, earth, tar and resin flavors. A layer of beefy tannins unloads on the finish, yet this stays within bounds. Best from 2022 through 2040. 541 cases made, 175 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)