Tasting Report: Brunello 2006, 2005 II

I still think that 2006 is a superb vintage for Brunello di Montalcino, perhaps the greatest to date in bottle. What I love about the wines is their amazing tannins and bright acidity along with ripe fruit. The wines have wonderful length and balance. They are very approachable now to drink but will improve with age for decades ahead. The vintage is the new 1997 – a legend for Brunello and other Tuscan reds.

As I have written in the past, the growing season in Tuscany was beautiful. It was hot and sunny during the day and cool during the night. No real heat spikes happened as well. This let the Sangiovese ripen to near perfect, maintaining freshness as well as exhibiting ripeness of fruit. The tannins are strong yet balanced and polished.

These Brunellos will give great pleasure when young as well as when mature. Most will be better in another three to four years.

One of the highlights of my tasting was finally reviewing the Biondi-Santi 2006 Brunello. I was pleased to find and enjoy its terrific quality. It is one of the best Biondi-Santis in a decade. I am really impressed with its classical style, yet richness and generosity on the palate. It’s silky texture and soft, ripe fruit character seduces you with every sip.

I also loved the Gaja Brunello. The great Piedmont vintner Angelo Gaja began making Brunello at the estate of Pieve di Santa Restituta in 1994, but it’s only recently that the wines have showed their true potential. Perhaps the new winery at the estate has helped Gaja fine tune his single vineyard Brunellos – Sugarille and Rennina. I preferred the former in 2006.

I also tasted a handful of 2005 riserva Brunellos in this short report. I honestly don’t understand why producers made a riserva in this year considering it was not a great one, but most of the wines were outstanding quality. The 2005 Brunellos in general should be consumed before the 2006s.

Check out my first report on 2006 Brunello and 2005 Brunello, if you have seen it.