2006 Sesti Brunello di Montalcino

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is beautiful and undertstated in its soft red fruit, tobacco, rosemary, underbrush and crushed flowers. This is a delicate, pretty Brunello that impresses for its overall balance and sense of harmony. There is an element of quirkiness that I find fascinating. Sweet red cherries, flowers and licorice linger on the textured finish. The estate’s Brunello spent a full 36 months in oak prior to being bottled unfiltered. Drink 2014-2026. 92 points

Good bright medium red. Knockout nose combines crushed cherry, pungent minerality, flowers, spices and saline soil tones. Sweet and lush but shapely, with sappy acidity framing the mineral and red fruit flavors. Terrific inner-mouth energy here, not to mention perfectly buffered, noble tannins. Really rises on the back end, finishing ethereal, silky and seamless. Reminded me of both Burgundy and Lafite. 94 points