The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino flows with gorgeous layers of dark red fruit. This is one of the more muscular, virile wines of the vintage. Slow to reveal its character, the Valdicava Brunello will require significant patience, but I have seen the wine blossom beautifully, even in the smallest of vintages. A blast of iron, smoke, tar, licorice and new leather inform the deep, intense finish. This is a hugely promising, brilliant Brunello from proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese, but it needs to be buried in the cellar for at least a few years. Readers who can’t wait should open the wine a few hours in advance, which will allow the fruit to emerge. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. My visit with Vincenzo Abbruzzese was instructive, as always. His may very well be the most consistently outstanding wines in vintages 2006-2010. I was especially struck by a lone tank of 2010 Brunello from Montosoli, a wine that will probably ultimately be blended into the straight Brunello, but that in my view has more than enough pedigree to merit its own bottling. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Though rich and round, the cherry, black currant and violet flavors in this Brunello are pure and focused. This is beautifully textured, displaying bright acidity and refined tannins that drive the long mineral aftertaste. Best from 2012 through 2025. 3,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add