The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is aged for two years in 500-liter French oak barrels and another two years in bottle. Here the oak gives the wine much of its volume and shape without coming across as over bearing. Dark wild cherries, new leather, spices, minerals and menthol flow effortlessly from this seamless, beautifully ripe Brunello. The intensity of the fruit carries through nicely on the long, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is aged for two years in 500-liter French oak barrels and another two years in bottle. Here the oak gives the wine much of its volume and shape without coming across as over bearing. Dark wild cherries, new leather, spices, minerals and menthol flow effortlessly from this seamless, beautifully ripe Brunello. The intensity of the fruit carries through nicely on the long, polished finish.