Grand Cru Wine Merchants

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with warm, seductive black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and underbrush. The interplay between the richness of the fruit and a classic sense of structure is totally spellbinding in this mysterious, dark Brunello. 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. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. -97pts WA (AG)

Pian dell’Orino is one of the most exciting, dynamic wineries in Montalcino. Proprietors Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Erbach have turned out two utterly fabulous wines that readers will not want to miss. The estate pursues biodynamic farming in the vineyards. The wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, macerations are long and cask aging is the rule. The wines are bottled with no fining or filtration.