The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the more perfumed, vibrant wines to emerge from the southern reaches of Montalcino. Freshly cut flowers, minerals, licorice and juicy black cherries all come together beautifully in this gracious, utterly impeccable Brunello. With time in the glass the wine puts on weight, but the tannins retain considerable elegance and finesse. Sublte hints of oak linger on the impeccable finish. This is a fabulous effort from Talenti. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999

Talenti delivers a very impressive Brunello with inky-dark concentration and background layers of coffee, espresso, fudge and maraschino cherry. Give it more time to age so that those sharp points of firmness can soften and widen. ——M.L.(4/1/2011)—— 92