Il Colle, Brunello di Montalcino, 2010

Classically styled Brunello from a small Montalcino family estate that believes wine is made in the vineyard, not the cellar. Il Colle was founded in 1972 when Alberto Carli bought a medieval house and its land; his daughter Caterina took over winemaking in 2001 and farms organically, fermenting spontaneously and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. The estate's vineyards sit on two sides of the hill, blended for balance, and production is small. The 2010 was an outstanding Brunello vintage, structured and built to age, and this bottle is now entering a generous drinking window. Decant and pair with a substantial meal.