Wine: 2006 Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino
Region: Tuscany
Sokolin Price: $89
Rating: 97 RP
Happy New Year! Last year brought about many top regional releases from 2009 California Pinot Noirs to 2007 Barolos and 2009 Northern Rhones. But, the one release that really stands out in our mind is the 2006 Brunellos. From top to bottom, these wines are truly amazing. 2006 was one of history's best vintages for Brunellos. James Suckling has called this vintage '...THE greatest modern vintage for Sangiovese...'
We can't get enough of the 2006 Brunellos! Over the last year, we've tasted through many, many bottles of 2006 Brunellos, and we've concluded that they are some of the best tasting wines from a price to points ratio standpoint. With scores in the 95-97 point range from James Suckling, and a price range averaging from under $45 through $100, these have to be some of the best deals around! Compare that to similarly scored California Cabernets that are in the $250+ price range, and you are looking at old world wines with incredible pedigree at a serious bargain.
Over the weekend with some wine loving friends, we opened a bottle of the high-scoring 2006 Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino (97 points RPWA) over a dinner of aged prime rib, Pommes Anna and sautéed green beans with garlic and olive oil. Wow! This is a superstar 2006 Brunello. As soon as we returned from the cellar with the bottle in hand, everyone was excited. It wasn't just the very cool white and blue label with braille, but rather the smiles that ensued after decanting, and the glasses of this unusually dark colored Brunello were passed out. The aromatics of the wine enveloped our noses with dark fruits, dark cherry blossoms and even a hint of cedar. It was no shock that EVERYONE was in awe. The palate was rich and silky. It was beautiful and had a well-balanced body with just the right amount of finesse and authority. And with just the right amount of fruit, acid and tannin, this wine had a 45+ second finish, rather unusual for Brunello.
I think that Robert Parker's Wine Advocate review nailed it when they said "...I love the element of sensuality here. The intensity of the fruit builds like waves towards the inevitable, luxurious, palate staining finish. This is simply a wine that won't be denied. It is remarkable in every way."
You can shop all of our 2006 Brunellos here, most of which are in stock.
Recommendation: This vintage will go down in history as one of the best for Brunello di Montalcino. Our quantities are dwindling, so make sure you pick up some of these sooner than later!