Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
normwine@charter.net
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
#nb-23-17
2010 Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino
A good friend gave me a bottle of wine he had purchased in Tuscany on a recent trip. It was excellent, but I don't believe that it is currently available for purchase in the United States, so I am giving you my opinion, and those of other noted wine writers on this wonderful bottle of wine from Tuscany. I am also including a portion of another article I wrote a few months ago about a Tuscan wine which I gave the same score to, which I believe is available in the US.
This Brunello is 100% Sangiovese, and 100% delightful! It opens with a nose full of cherries and spice, which lead to abundant flavors of cherry, currant, plum, and a bit of dark chocolate. The finish is long and colorful with just the right mix of fruit and tannins. The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 94.
93 points Wine Spectator
Menthol and eucalyptus notes shade the core of black cherry and plum in this broad, densely textured red. Balanced, in a powerful style, with dusty, mouthcoating tannins on the lingering finish. Needs grilled beef. Best from 2019 through 2032. (BS) 
(5/2015)
92 points James Suckling
Lots of dried citrus, meat and earthy aromas follow through to a full body, round tannins and a tangy fruit and juicy finish. A slightly dusty and austere texture but a generous and decadent Brunello. Better in 2015. (12/2014)
92 points Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of ripe berry, cooking spice, tilled soil, truffle, leather and a balsamic note all come together in the glass. The concentrated palate shows stewed plum, lightly toasted oak, mocha and espresso alongside tightly wound, teeth-coating tannins. Give this time to come together. Drink 2018–2025. (KO) (5/2015)
Score: 94.
Price: $43 - $48
This from a previous Norm's Tasting Notes:
Friday, March 3, 2017 (Norm's Tasting Notes)
2013 Ruffino Modus Toscana IGT
#nb-09-17
The Tuscan Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has taken the wine world by storm over the last few decades, and has created a category, called Super Tuscans, which often demand prices equaling those from the prestigious vines in Bordeaux. The Ruffino Modus gives you all the prestige and elegance at a far more desirable price than some of the other offerings from Tuscany. This is an intense and complex wine with a multitude of flavors, which is also smooth and mellow.
The aroma attacks your senses with an array of scents straight from a big basket of fresh black and red berries, with a few cherries mixed in. The flavors abound with the strong presence of cherry and blueberry with a little plum, and an underlying current of vanilla, with a slight hint of tobacco. The finish is strong and lingering with smooth tannins and an ending kiss of rich, mature fruit. This one should stand up well for several more years. Norm's score is 94.
price : $19- $25
score: 94
Norm
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