The estate of Castelgiocondo, is located in the southwest of Montalcino, an ideal terroir for Sangiovese and for the great wines that are produced here. The vineyards are found at the perfect altitude between 300 and 400 metres with well-drained soils and sunny, favorable southwest exposure. In the vineyards extreme care is given to the vines. High density and low production make a great Brunello of elegant texture and marvelous longevity.

Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give the red a wonderful juiciness. It dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold. Rating: 97 Points; James Suckling

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino ushers forth a new stylistic chapter in the wines of Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Gone are those overt oak notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate and moist chewing tobacco. Instead, this fresh and streamlined wine renews its effort to put Sangiovese in prime positioning. The bouquet shows dark cherry, ginger and grilled herb. Instead of immediacy, this wine is engineered for longevity and that comes as a surprise considering that Castelgiocondo has historically been one of the biggest advocates of what is now dubbed "international" Brunello. With the 2010 vintage, this estate goes back to its traditional roots. The wine is young now and needs about five more years to complete its cellar evolution. Rating: 94 Points; Monica Larner, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate