Perfumed and fruity, with dried cherries and citrus fruit. Wow. It really opens on the nose giving so much gorgeous fruit. Full body and very dense, with dried cherries, cedar and hints of coffee bean. Powerful and rich. Try it after 2015.

The Altesino 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is refined and elegant throughout. It shows resolved tannins that are almost chalky in texture over a long finish that is fueled by cherry and dried blackberry flavors. The soft richness of the mouthfeel is what sets this beautiful wine apart. This is a stunning back vintage from one of Montalcino's best estates. if you have a bottle in your cellar, it's time to take it out.

Medium red. Cherry, nectarine and orange peel on the nose, lifted by flowers. Intensely flavored and penetrating, boasting terrific energy and purity to its reticent middle palate. Denser and chewier than the classico, but at the same time a bit more high-pitched and exotic. A wine of terrific focus and verve, finishing with palate-staining, reverberating length. I initially scored this a half step behind the regular bottling, but this really exploded after 72 hours in the recorked bottle, while magically retaining its freshness. Easily the best vintage since 1999 for this beautiful estate on the northern edge of the appellation.

Sage, rosemary and tar aromas complement the sweet black cherry fruit in this red. Though supple and almost opulent, there's an elegance and freshness about this, too. The long aftertaste features spice and tobacco notes. Best from 2012 through 2024. 800 cases made. –BS

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a richer, deeper wine than the straight Brunello. The Montosoli presents a beautiful center of dark fruit, along with suggestions of grilled herbs, high-toned flowers, leather and licorice that add complexity. Despite the wine’s richness, the tannins are still a bit prominent, and need a few more years in bottle to soften. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. AG