Siro Pacenti is one of our favorite Montalcino producers, one that really hit its stride with the iconic 1997 vintage. Now, almost 30 years later, they’ve produced some of their finest wines to date, as one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows great balance that is due, in part, to the advanced age of the vines (most of which were planted between 1967 and 1972). The wine delivers a very fine, silky quality of tannin and an elegant approach. The bouquet exhibits elements of forest fruit, crushed mineral, balsam herb and wild mushroom. The effect is graceful and nuanced. The nice thing about this wine is that you don't taste any of the fruit ripeness that characterizes this vintage. Those old vines were able to stand up to the summer heat.