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. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Andrea Cortonesi’s biggest competition these days is oddly enough from himself! The Uccelliera wines are as good as they’ve ever been, but it is impossible not to compare them with the wines Cortonesi makes under the Voliero label. Uccelliera is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southern part of Montalcino, where the terroirs yield big, dramatic Rossi and Brunelli. Cortonesi describes 2007 as an overall warmer year than 2006. 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; tel. (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL (847) 430-3887

Rich cherry, currant, cedar and spice flavors are accented by meaty sanguine notes. Guided by the firm frame, this is dense and structured, with beefy tannins on the finish. Built for the long haul. Best from 2014 through 2032. 400 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add