(94+ points) The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, licorice and spices all wrapped around a sensual, elegant frame of notable class. Considerable aeration is needed to bring out the wine’s depth and textural richness. This is an excellent wine, but more often than not I am attracted more to the straight Brunello here, as is the case again in 2006. Costanti gave the 2006 Riserva 36 months in oak, 18 months in medium-sized barrels followed by 18 months in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.- AG

(94+ points) Good bright, deep red. Deep, pure, brooding nose hints at licorice and minerals. Powerful and penetrating but extremely backward, with strong acidity framing and intensifying the flavors of dark fruits and licorice. Finishes very long and vibrant, with a medicinal note of menthol. This compellingly deep but extremely backward wine is built for a long life in bottle but is not fun to drink today. Shows the acidity and grip of 2006. -- Stephen Tanzer