The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a viscerally thrilling wine that takes hold of the palate and never lets up. Waves of dark fruit sit on a textured frame of incomparable class. The wine blossoms over time, with beautifully centered red fruit, tobacco, minerals and scorched earth, all of which flow in a rich, expansive style. The explosive finish is utterly beautiful. This is a superb effort from Sesta di Sopra. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Importers: Premier Wine Company, Richmond, CA; tel. (818) 731-6238; Ideal Wine and Spirit Company Inc., Medford, MA; tel. (781) 395-3300; Beverly Malen Imports Inc., Chicago, IL; tel.(773) 227-9463

Ripe and juicy, sporting licorice, plum, cherry and balsamic aromas and flavors. Firm tannins provide support, and the finish, though tight, displays a chewy sensation. Best from 2014 through 2028. 340 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

1 6 Sesta di Sopra delivers a superb and beautiful Brunello with impossible richness and gorgeous intensity. Aromas include black cherry, vanilla, dark mocha, freshly ground espresso and a subtle touch of mineral dryness at the end. It’s equally impressive on the palate with smooth, thick intensity. ——M.L.(4/1/2011)—— 95