The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli impresses for its expressive, beautifully delineated aromatics, silky tannins and graceful overall harmony. Dark red fruit, flowers and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, taut Brunello from the northern side of Montalcino. It will be fascinating to see how this new bottling from Pacenti develops in the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Giancarlo Pacenti continues to make some of the most brilliant, textured wines in Montalcino. His 2006s are superb. The harvest started on September 25th and ended at the beginning of October. This year Pacenti has a new Brunello, Pelagrilli, made from younger vines than he uses for his top bottlings. The Pelagrilli is another step away from Pacenti’s long held preference for making a single Brunello from his holdings across multiple vineyards in Montalcino. According to Pacenti, the younger vines in Pelagrilli are now old enough to be bottled separately, while the older vines are used for the top of the line PS when the quality of the vintage is high. So, in 2006 readers will find three Pacenti Brunelli; the entry-level Pelagrilli, the straight Brunello and the PS, which will be released next year. Pacenti uses vines under 20 years old for the Rosso, from ages 20-30 for the new Pelagrilli, and older than 30 for the Brunello and PS. Importers: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Classic Wines Imports, Norwook, MA; tel. (781) 352-1100

Starts out supple, with muscular tannins gathering steam midpalate to finish. Cherry, strawberry and spice flavors hold the center, as a hint of tar marks the slightly dry finish. Needs some time. Best from 2013 through 2024. 1,250 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add