With only 5,000 bottles produced, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino might prove difficult to find and buy. If you do locate this wine however, I am very happy to recommend it despite its high price. All the senses are treated to a full-on Brunello experience that excels on all fronts, from intensity and balance to length of mouthfeel. Fruit for this wine comes from a single vineyard site located at the crest of a hill, or the so-called donkey's back (schiena d'asino" in Italian). The vines were planted in 1975 and this vineyard designate wine is only made in the best years. The buoyant bouquet delivers dark fruit backed by tarry spice and savory cured tobacco. This wine offers sophistication, power and elegance."

All you need is a few swirls of the glass to release the perfumed aromas of wild berry, forest floor, new leather and crushed herb. The palate shows precision and finesse, offering red cherry, cranberry, baking spice and tobacco set against taut refined tannins and bright acidity.

Bright cherry, plum, leather and iron flavors mark this elegant red. Balanced and firm, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and underbrush.