It’s not easy to follow the 1990 Riserva, but the 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is more than up to the challenge. Bright, translucent and beautifully focused throughout, the 2006 is all about energy and delineation. It is remarkably accessible for a young Soldera.

Soldera’s 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has been utterly gorgeous on the many times I have tasted it. Expressive, floral and impeccably perfumed, the 2006 Riserva is surprisingly mid-weight and gracious in this vintage. Layers of sweet fruit with Burgundian overtones emerge as the wine gains depth and volume in the glass. Today, the 2006 is a delicate Brunello from Soldera rather than a powerhouse, but then again, these wines have a way of putting on weight in the bottle. I can’t wait to see how the 2006 develops over the coming years. Soldera fans know that there is sometimes more than one bottling of the Riserva. This is Lot F86, which is the Lot imported into the US. I also tasted E85, which is a bit firmer, but within the context of Soldera wines, these two bottlings are quite similar. (Antonio Galloni)

A good dose of air coaxes out the maturing aromas and flavors of sandalwood, leather, underbrush, sweet cherry and mineral. This intriguing red displays lightness and elegance without sacrificing structure or intensity. Features a savory finish. BS