The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto emerges from the glass with layers of beautifully delineated dark fruit, flowers, mint, licorice and violets. It possesses terrific richness and nuance in a full-bodied, structured style that captures the essence of this great vintage. Big, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for expressive, super-ripe aromas and flavors. The 2006 needs time to soften, but it is immensely promising. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Giacomo Neri describes 2007 as a year with a warm spring followed by a cold, dry summer. Neri is one of the few growers who considers 2007 cooler than 2006, showing just how diverse Montalcino is. Temperatures were unusually warm during the spring, but then moderated over a coolish summer that saw very little rain. Acidities are a bit higher in 2007 than 2006. All that said, my tastings of the 2007s reveal them to be silkier and more polished young than the firmer 2006s. Needless to say, it will be fascinating to follow the evolution of both vintages over the coming years. Readers who want to learn more about Casanova di Neri should check out my video interview with Giacomo Neri on www.erobertparker.comImporter: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405