The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine laced with red berries, flowers and subtle hints of earthiness. Soft and supple throughout, the Brunello shows lovely juiciness in its fruit and a delicate, understated personality. The 2006 represents yet another step in the more elegant, refined direction the estate has taken in recent years. The 2006 Brunello was aged in equal parts cask and French oak barrels.

Bright deep red. Sexy aromas and flavors of raspberry and musky tobacco, with wilder suggestions of leather, herbs and dried flowers. A suave, silky midweight, with a fine-grained texture and nicely integrated acidity. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and very good length. Not overly oaky despite having spent two years in barriques .

Crimson, just starting to open up on the rim. Heady cherry-liqueur nose. Fairly simple and sweet, with rustic tannin and alcoholic finish. (WS)