The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a gracious, classy wine. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices are just some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this mid-weight, restrained Brunello. In 2006 Altesino's Brunello impresses for its balance, freshness and finessed tannins. It isn't a blockbuster, but it will drink well upon release and over the next decade or so, perhaps longer. Floral notes waft from the glass on the finish.

Amazing aromas of freshly picked flowers and black cherries. Full to medium bodied, with medium tannins and a fruity finish. Coffee and cigar box undertones. More forward and red to drink than some. Why wait?

Medium red. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, minerals, mocha and cocoa powder: I was reminded of Burgundy. Wonderfully tight and perfumed in the mouth, with superb youthful definition to the raspberry and floral flavors. Perfumed and light on its feet. Finishes sharply delineated, firmly tannic and impressively long. With three full days in the recorked bottle, this wine became denser and more minerallly, offering a leathery hint and terrific sexy breadth.

Smells like red Burgundy, with floral, cherry, woodsy and graphite aromas and flavors. Sweet and silky, underscored by firm, integrated tannins. Distinctive and delicious. BS

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a gracious, classy wine. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices are just some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this mid-weight, restrained Brunello. In 2006 Altesino's Brunello impresses for its balance, freshness and finessed tannins. It isn't a blockbuster, but it will drink well upon release and over the next decade or so, perhaps longer. Floral notes waft from the glass on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. AG