Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - Fine Wine and Spirits Since 1957

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino flows with gorgeous layers of dark red fruit. This is one of the more muscular, virile wines of the vintage. Slow to reveal its character, the Valdicava Brunello will require significant patience, but I have seen the wine blossom beautifully, even in the smallest of vintages. A blast of iron, smoke, tar, licorice and new leather inform the deep, intense finish. This is a hugely promising, brilliant Brunello from proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine laced with red berries, flowers and subtle hints of earthiness. Soft and supple throughout, the Brunello shows lovely juiciness in its fruit and a delicate, understated personality. The 2006 represents yet another step in the more elegant, refined direction the estate has taken in recent years. " Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"With time in the glass the wine's inner perfume gradually comes to life, even if this remains a reticent Brunello within the context of the vintage. Still, it is impossible not to admire the inner sweetness of the fruit and the impeccable polish of the tannins. " Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes." James Suckling

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a big, juicy wine bursting with dark fruit, sage, rosemary, licorice and new leather. This undeniably attractive, opulent Brunello reveals terrific length and harmony in a full-throttle style. The finish is round, creamy and impeccably balanced." Antonio Galloni

"Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, light toasty oak, cream and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderful." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"Tea leaves, prunes, burnt sugar, figs and spice cake are some of the nuances that emerge from Fontodi's 2001 Vin Santo, a wine that walks a line between the fresher and more exotic expressions of this famous Tuscan dessert wine. The finish is long and creamy." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"Frescobaldi's Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating." Jamers Suckling

"Candied red fruit, flowers, menthol and sweet herbs emerge from the glass with almost liqueur-like sweetness. The wine possesses outstanding balance and a long, sweet finish, with subtle notes of tar, licorice and herbs that make an appearance on the close." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"Plums, violets, minerals, leather and tobacco on a rich, articulated frame that literally explodes on the palate with a burst of dark red fruit. A tense, wiry finish gives the wine fabulous length." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a wonderfully plush, warm Brunello loaded with radiant fruit. Flowers, licorice and leather develop in the glass, adding dimension to this opulent, expressive wine. The sheer depth of the fruit and the open, sweet bouquet completely cover the tannins, making this one of the most approachable wines of the vintage. This remains a rich, full-bodied Brunello capable of delivering plenty of enjoyment now and over the next handful of years at a minimum." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione is superb. Smoke, tar, wild cherries, underbrush and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this expansive, textured Brunello. In 2006 the Piaggione shows that extra level of richness and depth that can be elusive in this bottling. The explosive, building finish leaves a lasting impression." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

" This is concentrated and intense, with all its components in the right proportions for a long evolution. Stiff tannins are matched by sweet fruit on the finish." Wine Spectator
- Wine Spectator

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine blessed with gorgeous clarity and precision in an effortless, weightless style. Dark cherries, tobacco, incense, dried flowers and minerals come together beautifully in the glass in this sensual, understated wine. Tobacco, licorice, menthol and an assortment of other balsamic aromas and flavors add complexity and character to the vivid, textured finish. This is a fabulous effort from proprietor Andrea Cortonesi." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate

"Shows gorgeous aromas of strawberry jam, with vanilla bean and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with a rich core of ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of fruit and milk chocolate. Long and balanced." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"The estate's 2007 Il Blu is a dark sweeping Tuscan red graced with exquisite dark black cherries, new leather, licorice, spices and minerals. The 2007 comes across as one of the more open vintages of Il Blu in recent memory." Antonio Galloni
- Wine Advocate