2006 Capanna, and a two day shredding break in The Berkshires...

The 2006 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino is an excellent brunello for consumption shortly after the release.

After a month of unsuccessful escapes (due to rain) into the countryside for the first day of riding this 2012 season, finally tuesday presented a promising forecast.  I took a later train in from Grand Central Station and arrived just in time for a classic NY Strip steak dinner at Big Franks.  In a rush (baked potatoes in oven) I had to run into the local wineshop for a reliable classic from their selection.  spotted the 2006 Brunello di Montalcino from Capanna, and having tasted the 2004 and 2005, the new 2006 release sounded like a go.

The 2004 was delicious but bigger and slightly closed (will obviously benefit from bottle age) when I tasted it open release.  The 2005 was a bit leaner, easy drinking and not super complex.  I could have gotten a lucky day with the 2006 but it was drinking gorgeous.  There was a delicious gameyness and aromatics that I didnt find in either of the other two vintages.  Capanna from northern Montalcino (Montosoli) practices longer maceration (about 25 days) and ages 3 years in Slavonian Oak casks.  For $45 a bottle its pretty reasonable and a great expression of approachable, traditional Sangiovese Grosso from Montalcino.

The next day followed with warmth and sun, and many turns on soft snow.  Above, A view from the top of Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA.  A textbook ''Ice Coast'' landscape.