2006 Brunello di Montalcino

Bright medium red. High-pitched nose combines black raspberry, cocoa, spices and menthol. Dense and thick but not a bit heavy--in fact tightly coiled today--with lovely energy and lift to the concentrated fruit, spice and floral flavors. Plenty of stuffing here: the tannins virtually melt into the fruit. Conveys enticing sweetness without being overripe. A saline impression of extract and strong underlying minerality contribute to this wine's taut impression.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a wonderfully plush, warm Brunello loaded with radiant fruit. Flowers, licorice and leather develop in the glass, adding dimension to this opulent, expressive wine. The sheer depth of the fruit and the open, sweet bouquet completely cover the tannins, making this one of the most approachable wines of the vintage. This remains a rich, full-bodied Brunello capable of delivering plenty of enjoyment now and over the next handful of years at a minimum.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a wonderfully plush, warm Brunello loaded with radiant fruit. Flowers, licorice and leather develop in the glass, adding dimension to this opulent, expressive wine. The sheer depth of the fruit and the open, sweet bouquet completely cover the tannins, making this one of the most approachable wines of the vintage. This remains a rich, full-bodied Brunello capable of delivering plenty of enjoyment now and over the next handful of years at a minimum. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Various American importers, including: Selected Estates of Europe, Mamaroneck, NY; tel. (914) 698-7202; Grappoli Imports, Ltd, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 519-2155