The 2006 Montepirolo (Cabernet) is the most vibrant of these new releases from San Patrignano. Dark plums, blackberries, mint, violets, sage, herbs and spices spin out from a massive, powerful frame. The wine reveals superb length, a polished close and remarkable overall balance. Today the tannins are a touch imposing, but a few additional years in bottle should help smooth things out. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. I was quite frankly blown away by the wines I tasted from San Patrignano this year. San Patrignano is a community built with a mission to help young people recovering from alcohol and drug dependencies return to productive lives. Given the estate’s noble goals, I am particularly happy to see that the wines are so strong this year. The biggest news at San Patrignano, though, is for the future. The estate is gradually moving away from the overtly commercial style of its first vintages. Beginning in 2009 the approach for the top wines is much more based on a non-interventionalist approach to the vineyards and cellar. San Patrignano has enlisted the services of no less than Gianfranco Soldera to lend a hand, so needless to say it will be fascinating to see what develops here. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642