Holy gorgeousness! The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is a knock-out beauty. This wine far surpassed my expectations and the memory I have of it from when I first tasted it on release six years back. This vintage has gained in precision, length and focus. It has shed a lot of its baby fat to reveal a muscular and beautifully balanced body. Its core is composed of wild berry, spice, leather and balsam herb—that latter aroma is something of a signature touch for Casanova di Neri. Despite all that enormous complexity and depth, this 2006 vintage still tastes young and tonic. The tannins are youthful, and this wine still has more potential for a slow-aging evolution ahead.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto emerges from the glass with layers of beautifully delineated dark fruit, flowers, mint, licorice and violets. It possesses terrific richness and nuance in a full-bodied, structured style that captures the essence of this great vintage. Big, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for expressive, super-ripe aromas and flavors. The 2006 needs time to soften, but it is immensely promising. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Giacomo Neri describes 2007 as a year with a warm spring followed by a cold, dry summer. Neri is one of the few growers who considers 2007 cooler than 2006, showing just how diverse Montalcino is. Temperatures were unusually warm during the spring, but then moderated over a coolish summer that saw very little rain. Acidities are a bit higher in 2007 than 2006. All that said, my tastings of the 2007s reveal them to be silkier and more polished young than the firmer 2006s. Needless to say, it will be fascinating to follow the evolution of both vintages over the coming years. Readers who want to learn more about Casanova di Neri should check out my video interview with Giacomo Neri on www.erobertparker.comImporter: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

A rich style, boasting macerated cherry and raspberry, leather and licorice flavors. Starting to meld with the dense tannins, which are mouthcoating and almost chewy on the long finish. This has excellent intensity, with a serious seam of mineral that permeates the aftertaste. Best from 2015 through 2035. 863 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add