2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is spellbinding, opening with a mentholated whiff of minty herbs and stone dust that complicates dried black cherries and nuances of sage. It’s silken and serene with a pretty inner sweetness that only maturity can bring. A subtle citrus tinge invigorates depths of tart berry fruit. Acidity adds remarkable freshness as the senses salivate, mingling with a gentle tug of residual tannins. The 2006 is absolutely stunning and still maturing.
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva bursts from the glass with huge black fruit, spices, smoke, tar and licorice. The weight and sheer power of this site in Castelnuovo dell'Abate comes through in the wine's depth and enveloping personality. Today the oak is quite present, but the 2006 appears to have enough muscle and intensity to handle the smaller barrels. A dramatic, intensely satisfying finish rounds things out in style. The 2006 Riserva spent two years in tonneaux followed by one and a half years in cask.
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva bursts from the glass with huge black fruit, spices, smoke, tar and licorice. The weight and sheer power of this site in Castelnuovo dell’Abate comes through in the wine’s depth and enveloping personality. Today the oak is quite present, but the 2006 appears to have enough muscle and intensity to handle the smaller barrels. A dramatic, intensely satisfying finish rounds things out in style. The 2006 Riserva spent two years in tonneaux followed by one and a half years in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. It is hard to imagine how much Jan Erbach and Caroline Pobitzer have accomplished in just a few years. Erbach and Pobitzer embody the same adventurous, risk-taking ethos one rarely sees in Montalcino, but which is much more common among top-flight, artisan growers in Burgundy, Piedmont and Champagne. Pian dell’Orino is still a young estate, and the wines can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, especially the Riserva, which I don’t think is still fully formed from a conceptual standpoint. Still, I have little doubt the potential is there for Pian dell’Orino to be one of the top ten producers in Montalcino in a few years. The writing is on the wall. Hard work, passion and dedication always pay off. Jan Erbach describes 2007 as similar to 2003, with the exception of rain during July, which helped the vines recuperate a bit. The harvest was earlier than normal and took place from September 20 to October 1. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404