2 bottles of 2006 remaining4 bottles of 2008 remaining[At checkout, comment on vintage preferences]2006: The 2006 Giramonte (Merlot, Sangiovese) is a very pretty wine made in an opulent, full-bodied style that nevertheless retains a surprising level of freshness and precision. The tannins build on the finish with notable power, suggesting a few years of cellaring may be needed before the wine starts to hit its stride. This is a beautiful wine from the Frescobaldi family. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. 91 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery Notes:Appearance: A purple-rimmed ruby red, so intense as to be almost opaque. Bouquet: Intense aromas of wild cherry and blackberry, both fresh-picked and as preserves, in addition to roasted hazelnuts, espresso beans, chocolate, vanilla, and cocoa butter, with spicy impressions of clove. Palate: Rich and smooth in the mouth, with an emphatic suite of smooth, velvety tannins and very lengthy development and finish.Ideal with all roasts, grills, and barbecues, and with sauted fillets of beef, but try it with delicate cheeses as well.2008: The 2008 Giramonte is strong for the year. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support a core of dark cherries, plums, smoke, French oak and licorice. This is a very pretty, harmonious wine from Frescobaldi. The 2008 Giramonte is 88% Merlot and 12% Sangiovese. The wine spent 16 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. 90 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery Notes:Giramonte appears a deep, rich purple-red, notable for its vibrancy and luminosity. In its complex aromatic array impressions of ripe fruit predominate, with raspberry and sour cherry first to emerge, followed by blackberry and dried plum. In the background are delicious toasty notes of cocoa powder, vanilla, and roast espresso bean. The palate impresses with its seductive mouthfeel, velvety texture, and spacious warmth. The tannins, fine-grained, elegant, and already well integrated into the structure, contribute to these impressions, as does a lively, crisp acidity. Its lengthy, well-balanced finish is nicely laced with aromatic fruit. Overall, Giramonte 2008 is a smooth wine that exhibits a fine balance of all of its components.Ideal with all roasts, grills, and barbecues, and with sauted fillets of beef, but try it with delicate cheeses as well.
