When a vintage comes along like 2010, it's hard to ignore nature's influence over a wine. On the Montalcino map, La Velona is tucked-away in the southeastern pocket, in the village Castelnuovo dell' Abate. Here, at the foot of Mount Amiata, it's one of the warmest pockets with unusual outcroppings of volcanic soils in between the rocky marls. If you've had the wines of Ciacci Piccolomini, Poggio di Sotto, Uccelliera, or Mastrojanni, then you've experienced the power of this region. La Velona takes its name from the 10th century Castello di Velona, which overlooks the surrounding Orcia River Valley. This well-aged Riserva is for the drinker who appreciates the indulgent side of Sangiovese, a side that dips into darker fruits and has tannin for days (in a good way). So, get your decanter ready, and enjoy the gift of a vintage.