2006 Brunello di Montalcino, is this the greatest ever vintage?
There really is no question in my mind that 2006 is a great vintage for Sangiovese and especially for Brunello di Montalcino, perhaps the greatest ever, we shall have to wait a while to know for sure, but here is an opportunity to get hold of some stunning wines.
Il Maronetto is one of the three estates forming the new genetic map of the “Holy Grail” of Brunello di Montalcino following the scandal of several years ago. Many estates have still not cleaned up their act, and yet still manage to acquire big ratings for wines which can only be described as dubious in their nature.
These two Brunello wines from Il Marroneto are classic Sangiovese in every sense of the word, comparable to the finest red burgundies and with the ageing potential to match. Both these 2006’s have such wonderful complexity and depth of flavours, yet at first they are almost shy, very seductive in their beauty.
Both wines are in perfect proportion, with fabulous balance, there is an almost dazzling display of richness and yet both remain totally delicate, I am mesmerised by these wines, we tasted both bottles opened for the whole day, and every time I tasted them I found something new. To my mind there is no doubt, 2006 will be declared as one of the best ever vintages for Brunello di Montalcino. Perhaps even the greatest ever and New Benchmark!
Il Marroneto
2006 Brunello di Monalcino £374.00 Per 12 In Bond
What to say about this, firstly, it’s totally gorgeous, balanced and approachable, but there again it isn’t, its big and bold, rather tannic with huge acidity, this is a dichotomy in a glass. The wine starts out gently, with lovely aromas of red cherries and super floral tones, easy on the palate, refined and ripe cut strawberry fruit, then the tannins begin and the muscular underlying structure comes forth and immediately you know this needs another 3-5 years in bottle before this will even begin to strut its stuff. This is capable of improving for maybe another 20-30 years. I have been fortunate enough to taste more than 20 vintages of this wine, but I have not found one nearly as good from the past. This seems to combine the best of the richness, tannic structures and freshness of all the best years of the past. Fantastic stuff and reminiscent of Grand Cru Burgundy. Tasted Jan 2011
2006 Brunello di Monalcino Madonna Delle Grazie £447.40 Per 12 In Bond
The estates 2006 Madonna delle Grazie, is simply extraordinary, enticing purity, sensual and delicate. Richly textured with seamless layers of fruit, fresh and dried black berries, blueberries, Montmorency cherries, fresh and dried flowers, fresh and dried grapes, impeccably balanced with supreme elegance, it’s like a pedigree foal just finding its feet, beautifully sleek but as yet a little awkward, you know this is going to win trophies. Alessandro Mori is developing a magic touch, his wines show wonderful fruit, but the underlying power is deftly applied via ultra fine and noble tannins. A measure of this wine is how much weight it gained through the day starting out almost coy when first opened and ending the day almost muscle bound. What a future! Buy this where you can, put it away and forget about it for as long as you can, certainly this is one of the finest pure Sangiovese wines I have ever tasted. I would like to drink this wine in 15 years, and again in 50 years, but sadly that’s highly unlikely, don’t think I’ll be around. Tasted Jan 2011