2011 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli

Giancarlo Pacenti is one of the few producers who blends wines from the northern and southern zones in Montalcino for most of his wines, which is one reason he is so consistent from year to year. Eric Boissenot, one of Bordeaux's top wine minds, is the consultant. As always, the Pacenti Brunellos are distinguished by their sleek, modern contours. My own experience with aging these wines is, frankly, mixed, so I prefer to drink them on the young side. The legacy Pacenti's Brunellos ultimately leave behind is an open question, as few vintages will last more than a generation. That, in my view is a shame for a top winemaker with Pacenti's standing as one of Montalcino's most visible producers.