Valdicava Madonna del Piano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2010

“It just builds like a massive wave. Superb,” says James Suckling in his 100 POINT review of this single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino. He and a handful of other top critics left exuberant reviews – though they all agree on one thing: Don’t drink this brooding beauty too young. Well, most of those reviews on this 2010 vintage came through in 2016 or earlier – and here in 2025, this powerhouse Brunello is singing prettier than ever!

On paper, the story of Valdicava begins in 1953, when Bramante Abbruzzese acquired the estate and planted its first vines. Yet, its heritage reaches back far longer. Bramante’s forebears worked the land here hundreds of years prior, so really, his foray into winegrowing was more like a return to his family farming legacy. His grandson, Vincenzo, took over the estate in 1987, and that’s when things really took off, as Vincenzo’s intentionality, devout land stewardship, and commitment to quality catapulted the winery into cult-icon status.

Located in the northern part of Montalcino, called Montosoli, the winery benefits from the area’s ideal growing conditions due to warmth from the Tyrrhenian Sea and cool breezes from the surrounding forests. The Madonna del Piano Riserva is one of their most famous single-cru wines, aged in cask and powerfully built to cellar for the long haul, if so desired. The vineyard’s 19.5 hectares are divided into four sections, with grapes harvested and fermented separately before blending. The Madonna del Piano is only made in exceptional vintages and is renowned for its brute power, silky elegance, and inky, brooding complexity.

With intense layers of supple black fruits, black licorice, tobacco, and clove, followed closely by intense mineral tinges of iron and earth, and peppered with dark, smoldering spices… this is an exceptionally robust, mouthwateringly delicious wine, with gripping tannins and exuberant energy that continues into a seemingly never-ending finish. Worthy at its suggested retail price, for sure – and all the more captivating at our $150-off discount! 100 points! Sadly, we only have a few cases of this highly collectible Tuscan beauty, so do not hesitate to make this glorious wine yours today!

PAIRING IDEAS: I’ve been craving a good steak, so let’s go with a sultry, smoky, spice-rubbed grilled ribeye, with a loaded baked potato and wedge salad on the side. Classic steakhouse cuisine, but a showstopper with this incredibly firm and elegant wine!