2006 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is coy in the glass, slowly evolving with notes of cedar dust, ground cloves, citrusy spice and dried black cherries. It displays extraordinary elegance, still dense and compact, yet with a core of tantalizing acidity that maintains fantastic balance throughout. Masses of dark red berry fruit mingle with mentholated herbs and a bitter tinge of dark chocolate as edgy tannins still resonate through the incredibly long, tension-filled finale. The Riserva shows the importance of the category while maintaining a lively persona. It has outlived the Annata Brunello but has an entirely different, darker character.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Good full red. A bit more exotic and high-toned on the nose than the 2007 classico , offering aromas of dark berries, licorice, violet, mocha and nutty oak. Dense, seamless and concentrated, with noteworthy depth to the flavors of currant, smoke and mocha. Lower-toned and less fruity than the 2007 but possesses sound acidity and finishes sappy and long, with serious tannic clout and a building nutty oak component. I'd enjoy the 2007 over the next five years, then start on this one.
Bright red. Sweet and pomerolly this time! Dry finish again. Chewy still. Alcohol but not that much fruit density. (JR)
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva flows with the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, licorice and spices, all supported by firm, structured tannins. The 2006 boasts striking inner perfume, big fruit and a huge, explosive finish. The 2006 Riserva is surprisingly vibrant, focused and balanced for such a big wine. The Riserva was made from the estate's highest altitude vineyards and aged one year in barrique and a second year in cask.