772 | Wine | Brunello Di Montalcino, 2006

"If you like the vanilla, toast and spice notes of new oak, this red is for you. Behind the wood, notes of black cherry, tar and tobacco mingle. This is dense and tannic, with a long spicy finish."

"An elegant wine laced with dark cherries, plums, licorice, new leather, mint and French oak. All of the elements come together beautifully in this silky, mid-weight Brunello. The vibrant, eternal finish makes it hard to resist a second taste. This subtle, impeccably refined Brunello can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will be even better in another few years."

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva flows with the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, licorice and spices, all supported by firm, structured tannins. The 2006 boasts striking inner perfume, big fruit and a huge, explosive finish. The 2006 Riserva is surprisingly vibrant, focused and balanced for such a big wine. The Riserva was made from the estate’s highest altitude vineyards and aged one year in barrique and a second year in cask."

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini opens with knock-out aromatics that lead to expressive layers of ripe red fruit, flowers, spices, licorice and tobacco. The balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is fabulous. Freshly cut roses, spices and licorice reappear to frame the finish. This is an exceptional, totally refined Brunello from Andrea Mantengoli."

"Il Poggione’s 2001 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a very distinctive nose redolent of scorched earth, tobacco and cherries initially showing a wilder side of Sangiovese in its hints of gaminess. It is full-bodied and structured on the palate, where it offers plenty of fruit, with considerable length as well as big, potent tannins. This backward, hulking Brunello is in need of considerable cellaring and is clearly built for the long haul. It is a wine of great personality and character."

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a serious, intense Brunello. Wild cherries, herbs, tobacco, spices and worn-in leather are some of the aromas and flavors that flow from this wiry, structured wine. This shows plenty of length on the palate, although the tannins dry out a touch on the finish."

"This red starts out ripe and accessible, boasting plum, cherry and chocolate flavors, then turns firm and tight on the finish, where tobacco and mineral notes take over. I like the potential of this when it integrates more fully."

"A combination of power and finesse, this red evokes concentrated plum, cherry and underbrush flavors, with a vibrant structure. Gets more focused on the long, racy finish, where cherry, spice and mineral notes interplay."