2006 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere
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The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Le Lucere shows good energy, but the fruit is starting to dry out. Pretty notes of licorice, mint and tobacco add a measure of complexity, but ultimately the 2006 doesn't have enough fruit to stand up to the oak. The oak tannins will become more prominent as the fruit melts away. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Roberto Giannelli's wines show great promise. Giannelli seems to do best with shorter wood aging regimes. When the Brunelli spend too much time in oak they lose a lot of the personality that makes his best wines distinctive. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good medium red. Enticing aromas and flavors of mocha, underbrush and dried flowers, with hints of spices and leather. Suppler, sweeter and more pliant than the classico from this producer, with harmonious acidity giving definition to the middle palate. Firm but fine-grained tannins reach the front teeth on the lingering finish.
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere is heavier and more oaked than the straight Brunello. The concentration of the fruit is intense at first, but then drops off pretty quickly on the mid-palate and finish. There is just too much oak here to think the wine will ever truly come together, which is a shame, as the raw ingredients were terrific.