This riserva is simply gorgeous, with loads of fresh fruit, mineral, spice, leather, tobacco and long aging potential. The freshness and structure is definitely present, while the mouthfeel is luscious and opulent with vanilla, espresso and dried herb or menthol overtones.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva bursts from the glass with dark cherries, flowers, mint and licorice. This is a full-bodied, richly textured Brunello that impresses for its balance and sense of proportion. Layers of super-ripe, dark fruit flow through to the intense finish. The 2006 Riserva is obviously young today, but it is full of promise. The wine was vinified in conical oak vats and aged in Slavonian oak for 44 months. -By Antonio Galloni on April 2012