2007 Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara

A dense, persistent wine, 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Manachiara covers every inch of the palate. Sweet, layered and nicely balanced, the 2007 captures the ripeness of the vintage, but in a slightly slender, clenched style. Cedar, new leather, spices and tobacco add complexity on the finish, which lacks the opulence of so many wines of this vintage. Perhaps another year or two in bottle will help the tannins soften to release some of the wine’s fruit. The 2007 Manachiara spent 28-29 days on the skins, followed by two and a half years in barrel. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. I tasted a wide range of wines during my visit at Nardi, including several experimental bottlings that attest to the estate’s continued search for excellence. Some of the Nardi Brunellos remain works in progress, but the overall direction is quite positive. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756