Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta Il Poggione 2006

Il Poggione's 2006 Brunello di Montalcino was another stunner. The Fransceschi family and long-time winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci and his son Alessandro do such a fabulous job with these wines. Yes, the Riserva is also terrific, but on this day the straight 2006 Brunello dazzled. Layered, rich and explosive, the 2006 conquered all of the senses with its marvelous depth and pure power. Readers lucky enough to own the 2006 probably want to cellar the wine for at least a few years. This was a fabulous showing.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is another superb Brunello from Il Poggione. The ripeness of the vintage meets a classic sense of structure as this bold, full-bodied wine takes shape in the glass. The 2006 doesn't have the elegance or finesse of the 2004, instead it offers a decidedly more virile, masculine expression of Sangiovese. Dark cherries, tobacco, smoke and underbrush wrap around a wall of tannin as the finish builds to a majestic close. Il Poggione's Brunello remains one of the best values in fine, cellar-worthy wine. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036.