il bruciato 2006 by Antinori

With Tom, Deborah, Gabriel, Clay, Inge and myself in Rome and as gabriel says, "tasting wine and getting drunk."

Tenuta Guado al tasso is the maker, supposedly in vineyard next to sassacaia. Mixes of cab, merlot, syrah. Bolgheri is .the area. Antinori apparently owns it. Now what I smell on the pleasant nose is a mixture of cherry vanilla, a slight black currant, and some provencal spice, which are accounted for by the merlot, cabernet, and syrah. Initial impression on first drinking was a too simple wine with initial attack of soft fruit follopwed by a hollow mid-palate and short finish of not much interest. the tannins are soft and this seems like a wine that won't last more than 3-4 years. After 30 minutes of course the acid is reduced and fruit comes forth better, with a fruitier finish. As always I've written the notes before consulting the professional notes below. I am closer to Parker on this, both score and impression, although I certainly don't see it lasting for more than 3-4 years and can't believe it'll get any better after 2009.

parker: 88 points. The 2006 Bruciato is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah that spent eight months in French oak. This brooding, intense wine flows from the glass with the essence of dark cherries, tar, smoke and menthol. It offers excellent length and a long, resonating finish that captures the warmth of Tuscany and the 2006 vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.

Wine Spectator: Subtle and aromatic, with violet and berries on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, clean, polished finish. The second wine of Guado al Tasso, with a bit more Merlot than the first wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and others. Best after 2009. 20,830 cases made/ 90 points.