Brunello di Montalcino, Casanova di Neri 2006

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is fabulous in this vintage. Waves of dark fruit caress the palate as this juicy, delicious wine reveals its considerable charms. The fruit shows lovely weight and richness while maintaining an essentially mid-weight personality. Sweet scents of French oak linger on the round, caressing, impeccable finish. This is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade-plus. The harvest took place from the 2nd to the 5th of October. The wine spent 24 days on the skins, after which it was racked into cask, where it spent 45 months prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

There are plenty of cherry and plum flavors in this rich red, along with notes of bramble, spice and camphor. The tannins are dense and assertive now, and a sweet fruit component balances the finish, ending with a long aftertaste. Best from 2013 through 2027. 5,860 cases made.