2006 Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino

92 Points

Dark red color and surprisingly muted nose of dry brush, dried cranberry and tobacco. Decanted and let sit for an hour, but still closed on the nose. Even after two hours it still had not opened up fully.

The flavor is quite a contrast.

Plum and more cranberry rush out and then are followed by more traditional Brunello tightness of dirt and slight tannin bite through a long finish. It is a very classic Brunello and drinking quite well now, but I can imagine it lasting several more years quite nicely.

I rate this a 96. James Suckling noted wine writer with a focus on Italian wine gave it the knock out score of 100.

Excellent with a spicy Indian meal. Very nice to enjoy after the meal. 

WR

2004 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragon Pianrosso Brunello di Montalcino

Ciacci has been a long favored name for Brunello's. 100% Sangiovese grapes, from the Pianrosso vineyard. The wine is a translucent dark ruby color. The nose is plum maybe slightly to prune with classic Brunello hints of dirt and sagebrush or dried plant. Very nice and expressive.

 
This wine is really drinking well. It comes with more plum, some cherry and still has a nice freshness to the fruit. It also brings along the Brunello bit of grittiness with leather. It has a nice long finish and is very satisfying in the way it all comes together.

After tasting on its own a bit, it was joined by a pasta with pesto sauce and it was a great compliment.

This wine is is very enjoyable and worth seeking out.

I rate it a 93.



WR