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2006 Harvest Report from Tuscany
Winemaker Franco Bernabei dicusses the 2006 harvest:
"The climatic history of 2006 was extremely variable and unsettled.Winter and spring favored early and luxuriant vegetation. Though blossoming had been good, cold weather resumed in late May and early June, suddenly cutting florescence short and causing a few problems in the subsequent stages of vegetation. Setting, on the whole, was good. Thanks to very hot and sunny weather in late June, the previous delay in vegetative development was almost completely recouped. High temperatures continued throughout July, so much so that it was feared there would be a repeat performance of the droughty 2003 season. Fortunately, however, water reserves from the earlier, springtime rains more than sufficed to prevent this. The climate in August was very fair and temperate, providing relief from the heat. The beneficial rains in the first few days of September completed the job. The months of September and October saw ideal weather, sunny and warm, and in spite of a 3- to-7-day delay in the beginning of harvest by comparison with 2005, both red and white grapes, overall, presented balanced maturation with magnificent bunches weighing a little less than average, spaced-out berries, excellent pigmentation, and higher sugar levels compared to the previous vintage. From day one, the wines of ’06 have stood out for their distinct aromas and fragrance, color intensity, decided structure combined with very sweet tannins. Initial readings promise a grandissima annata, a truly great vintage, particularly for cellar-worthy reds.”

The Wine Spectator Sips & Tips (10/27/2009)
Monte Antico 2006 is this weeks WINE OF THE WEEK!   

MONTE ANTICO Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana 2006 (90 points, $12)

Bright plum, dried cherry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Drink now. 80,000 cases made. From Italy.
-James Suckling

Wine Spectator's editors have selected this wine as the best buy of the week.