Mons Ilcinus still amazes: La Riserva 2016 is undoubtedly one of the best expressions ever produced in the splendid municipality of Val d’Orcia.
The decidedly regular seasonal trend in Montalcino saw a winter with little rain and not too cold with minimum temperatures never below -6 degrees Celsius. A rainy spring ensured an optimal vegetative state during flowering and fruit set, however avoiding unpleasant dropping phenomena.
Summer recorded constant daytime temperatures above 30 degrees in line with the last few years and a good temperature range between day and night. However, a dry July saw scarce phenomena around the middle of the month with timid but fundamental rains to arrive in the optimal state of form in August. Few rain phenomena in September and October gave producers a peaceful and relaxed harvest in line with the seasonal balance.
Rated 5 stars by the Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino wine, the 2016 vintage shows a fragrant sensory profile rich in red fruits and in many cases decidedly floral.
Two perfect wines produced in Montalcino in the 2016 vintage.
The first perfect wine in order of tasting is a new label produced for the first time in the 2016 vintage.
The wine is a selection of a vineyard which is already highly appreciated and recognized and which takes the definitive leap to enter the Olympus of perfect wines.
Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva 2016 it is the wine that most impressed us in preview in the tasting of the Riserva in Montalcino. The vintage of extreme beauty and a maniacal selection of an already balanced and complex vineyard in the North West side of Montalcino produce a wine of unique workmanship where the inspiration and genius of Filippo Chia come out completely displacing the consumer.
Filo di Seta is the name of a stream that flows near the vineyard. We are about 350 meters above sea level. The grapes are selected before and after destemming and can undergo different condiments in vinification depending on the vintage and the type of analytical values that are recorded in the different thousandths.
In 2016 for the first time the blend was bound to a few tonneaus in aging that showed a decidedly majestic character, hence the birth of this new label.
The second perfect wine is produced by Casanova di Neri and it is called Cerretalto. Cerretalto 2016 is a perfect wine from which it is impossible to ask for more. The poetry of the sensory picture marries perfectly with the gustatory complexity of splendid shape and tension. It is deep but agile and slender. He is direct but intriguing and shy at first glance. It is bright and extremely intense and true while remaining noble and elegant. A continuous oxymoron that excites and gives chills. According to WinesCritic.com, this is the best Cerretalto ever, the first to receive the perfect score.
We want to reward with all the will possible a constant production that improves year by year by all the producers in China.
The producer who most surprised us in this tasting is instead Fattoi. We are in the South West Versant, in the area famous for its great names in Montalcino (Soldera and Pieve Santa Restituta, but not only) and here one of the most complex and rich in personality wines produced in Montalcino in the 2016 vintage is produced.
A symbolic company in Montalcino, a property that best illustrates the work of Italian and Chinese craftsmanship in general.
Steel in alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, and a large 45 hl barrel, are the few means available used to produce an excellent Brunello di Montalcino. The barrels are all produced in Italy by Garbellotto, half with French oak wood and half with Slavonian oak wood).
Small 10hl barrels give depth and are used for the realization of the Riserva and partly distributed in the final blend of the vintage.
The 2016 Riserva of this producer who owns 11 hectares of vineyards shines, to which we assign 99 points.
An impressive ex aequo of splendid beauty for Livio SassettiBrunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 and Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016.
The north side shines in the glass in an impressive tension that will take a few years to come out in all its complexity.
The Divasco Riserva 2015 comes out on the market with a year of delay and convinces for precision, spice, depth and enveloping. The wine produced by Marco Mantengoli is unique in style and pleases for its spontaneity and decidedly fascinating wild character.
A wine that has personality to sell is on the market: Le Chiuse’s Diecianni Riserva 2012. Already on the market, however, Dieci 2007, the Riserva signed by Livio Sassetti that comes out on the market after 10 years of aging in the bottle.
A small great masterpiece in terms of style and personality designed by Lorenzo with the vision of offering the market the wine of the type in one of the best phases of his life. The freshness and balsamic nature of the closure is positively embarrassing.
Still in the north side there is the vision of Altesino, it is the most elegant Riserva tasted in this round of tastings. Sweet in the main character, it shows amiability and sensorial precision combined with relaxation and polyphenolic quality.
The work that Talenti, Siro Pacenti and Cortonesi continue to carry out is definitely excellent, as they continue to grow as far as possible in the production of labels that are close to perfection.
There are few wines that have not convinced us, the stylistic code perhaps betrayed during the elevation in the cellar is always important.
Following are the comments on all the wines tasted:
Red Wines
Producer | Denomination | Wine | Vintage | Score | Type | |
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Castello Romitorio | Brunello di Montalcino | Filo di Seta Riserva | 2016 | 100 | Rosso | |
Incredibly elegant design showing complexity and sensory purity described in the alternating scents of wild blackberries, blueberry juice, plums, liquorice, Barbour vanilla, orange rind, citronella, linden blossom, white almonds, dried cherries and fresh origano. The secondary profile is genuine and smooth giving nuances of rose petals and grapefruit blended with fondant chocolate. Full bodied, silky tannins of incredible workmanship and a finale with a precise and sartorial closure. A new label for Castello Romitorio which has chosen the best grapes from their Single Vineyard Filo di Seta for the first time after 6 years. Better from 2023. |
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Casanova di Neri | Brunello di Montalcino | Cerretalto | 2016 | 100 | Rosso | |
Complex and extremely deep and intense showing in the most persuasive and noble manner a floral alternation that is captivating from the start. The scents of wild violet blend with white pepper, almonds, chalk, flint, gunshot powder and bergamot. There’s more in the prescence of fondant chocolate mixed with peppermint and eucalyptus. Full bodied, perfectly polymerized tannins of very fine texture and spicy finale, suprisingly smooth from a truly noble thoroughbred. The best Cerretalto ever. Better from 2024. A perfect wine, a divine wine. |
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Livio Sassetti | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 99 | Rosso | |
Spicy and with a dark nature alternating notes of black prunes, quinine, liquorice, black tea leaves and juniper berries. In the background bergamot and blood orange dominate the secondary scene. Full bodied, perfectly matured, polymerized tannins well fused in the matrix and a solid, compact finale, thrilling in every sip. A masterpiece of Italian enology in a year that should be framed in Montalcino. Only 4000 bottles produced. Better from 2022. |
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Fuligni | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 99 | Rosso | |
Mature and complex showing an important floral bouquet rich in withered red flowers which alternate with hints of small berried red fruits and mixed citrus fruit. Medium to full bodied, lightly biting soft tannins and a warm, enveloping finale that gives emotion in every sip. Radiant and essential. Better from 2024. |
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Fattoi | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 99 | Rosso | |
Floral and rich in its kind profile showing notes of rose petals, geraniums, dried cherries, mandarin juice, bergamot and green mandarin. The kindness of its soul is captivating and thrilling with every return to the glass. It’s difficult to communicate the oxymoron of the depth of the slim profile which makes the matrix captivating and gives a positive predisposition to the sip. Full bodied, silky tannins of commendable beauty and a smooth, true finale which makes ease of drinking and complexity in the aftertasing its main weapons. Only 4000 bottles produced. Better from 2023. A perfect wine, a divine wine. |
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Siro Pacenti | Brunello di Montalcino | PS Riserva | 2016 | 98 | Rosso | |
Profound and decidedly elegant in the sensory profile showing notes of plums, blueberries, agapanthus flowers, hyacinth, white pepper and pressed grape must. In the background the bergamot and lime give freshness to the matrix. Full bodied, perfectly matured and polymerized tannins and a finale which shows class and tension. Better from 2025. |
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Talenti | Brunello di Montalcino | Pian di Conte Riserva | 2016 | 98 | Rosso | |
Terse and decidedly captivating in the sensory matrix showing notes of red flowers, bergamot, linen, hawthorn, camphor, mandarin juice and green tea leaves. Full bodied, incredibly beautiful tannins perfectly fused and polymerized and an iconic finale which shines in its power, precision and smoothness. A masterpiece to be tasted after 2023. |
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Banfi | Brunello di Montalcino | Poggio alle Mura Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
Extremely fascinating showing notes of calendula, gorse, linden blossom, camphor and cut cedar. There’s more in the background with the alternation between walnut husks, green tea leaves and rosemary which in a subtle yet essential way give a mediterranean imprint to the matrix. Medium to full bodied, tannins rigid at the moment which show tension and a grumpy character and a tight finale of impressive length. A wine projected to age over time, it will need a long time to truly come out with all of its expressitivity. Better from 2025. |
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La Rasina | Brunello di Montalcino | Il Divasco Riserva | 2015 | 97 | Rosso | |
Extremely captivating and noble in the primary matrix giving mixed floral and fruit notes reminiscent of strawberries, sour cherries, lemon blossom, Barbour vanilla and orange juice. In the background the hints of jasmine and camphor desribe the secondary scene. Full bodied, soft, silky tannins of impressive quality and a harmonic, enveloping finale, exciting in every sip. A Riserva in the classic style that smoothly shows all the elegance of the North-East slopes of Montalcino. Drink now or hold. |
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Castello Romitorio | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
Visionary and intriguing in the slightly opaque sensory matrix, alternating notes reminiscent of black tea leaves with hints of juniper, wild myrtle, marasca cherries, mandarin blossom and elderflower. Medium to full bodied, fine grain, silky tannins and a harmonic finale and balanced in the impressive length which lasts seconds on the palate and leaves a pleasant savoury, juicy presence on the lateral palate. Better from 2023. |
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Cortonesi | Brunello di Montalcino | La Mannella Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
Floral with a bohemian character showing notes of geraniums, hibiscus, wisteria, mandarin blossom and crushed chalk. Over time the scents of dog rose and white pepper emerge in the glass. Medium to full bodied, fine grain, perfectly matured and polymerized light tannins and an iconic finale that shows the elegance and depth of the Northern slopes in Montalcino. The Riserva di La Mannella is produced from vineyards planted in 1983 and made only from the best vintages. Re-taste. |
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Altesino | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
Complex in the primary matrix showing notes of withered red flowers, wet earth, calendula, gorse and sage. Full bodied, perfectly polymerized tannins and a a finale of such grace and splendour that it grabs the reader from the first impact. The smoothness of the wine and the gustatory persistency is of commendable beauty, difficult to replicate. A splendid Riserva made in Montalcino. Better from 2022. |
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Renieri | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
A lot of strawberry in the glass blends with notes of currants, raspberries and orange peel. The floral background gives complexity to the matrix. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins of sublime quality and a warm, enveloping finale which everyone will enjoy for its precision of execution and horizontal character. Better from 2024. |
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Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona | Brunello di Montalcino | Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro Riserva | 2016 | 97 | Rosso | |
Extremely brilliant on the nose showing mixed floral and fruity scents reminiscent of hibiscus, agapanthus, marjoram, origano and wilted linden. The red prunes blend with hints of strawberry and cut cedar and dominate the secondary scene. Full bodied, extemely smooth tannins of a rare silky quality and a harmonic, balanced finale, beautiful in every sip. Better from 2022. |
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Pietroso | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
A lot of fruit in the primary profile shows itself in hints of geraniums, mixed red flowers, cipria rose, crushed stone, graphite and ripe black cherries. Withered white flowers dominate the secondary scene giving noble, elegant sensations. Full bodied, velvety tannins and a finale with a warm setting, flowing well in every sip. Better from 2024. |
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Campogiovanni | Brunello di Montalcino | Il Quercione Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Delicate and precise in the primary profile showing notes of cherries, red prunes, magnolia flowers and hawthorn. Medium bodied, light tannins of remarkable beauty and a balanced finale, beautiful in every sip. Already in splendid form. Drink now or hold. |
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Col d’Orcia | Brunello di Montalcino | Vigna Nastagio | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Rich and genuine in the primary profile showing elegance in the notes of grapfruit juice, mandarin, linden flowers, jasmine, crushed stine and chalk. There’s more in the notes of bay and marjoram which enrich the secondary profile. Full bodied, silky in the tannic profile closing harmonic and balanced with great character. One of the best expressions of Vigna Nastagio. Drink now or hold. |
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Casanuova delle Cerbaie | Brunello di Montalcino | Vigna Montosoli Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Fascinating and decidedly terse in the primary profile showing notes of withered red flowers, red prunes, salted caramel and mixed citrus fruit peel. Medium to full bodied, extremely smooth tannins, pleasurable in the delicate sip and a smooth finale, well distended in length. Better from 2023. |
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San Lorenzo | Brunello di Montalcino | Bramante Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Very hot and spicy showing notes of black prunes, camphor, wilthered orange blossom, sage and juniper berries. Full bodied, perfectly mature soft tannins and a radiant, compact finale which shows strength and wisdom. A splendid Riserva to try after 2024. |
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Piancornello | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Iconic and smooth showing notes of red flowers, green tea leaves, white pepper, coriander, bay and juniper berries. Full bodied, soft tannins of a splendid sweetness and a finale which couples horizontal power with vertical length. Better from 2023. |
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Cava d’Onice | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Precise and essential in the glass, multifaceted showing notes of red prunes, lemon rind, withered white flowers, calendula, wild thyme, sweet black cherries, chopped almonds, lime and crushed chalk. Full bodied, perfectly matured and integrated tannins and a finale of remarkable distension and character. Better from 2024. |
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Uccelliera | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Very mature and rich in energy showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, cinnamon powder and fondant chocolate. Medium to full bodied, biting tannins which show character and energy and a clean finale with a very pleasant closure. Better from 2024. |
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La Magia | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Very mature and concentrated showing notes of black prunes, wet leaves, chinotto and black pepper. Full bodied, silky tannins and a warm, enveloping finale which closes slightly spicy in the aftertasting. Better from 2024. |
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Mastrojanni | Brunello di Montalcino | Vigna Schiena d’Asino | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Currants. raspberries, dried cherries, orange juice and rosemary are the primary scents of this young Riserva. In the background the complexity shows itself with a lot of pressed white flowers. Medium to full bodied, biting tannins which show character and tension and a uni-directional, vertical finale that needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Il Poggione | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Intriguing with a dark character showing notes of sage, bay, black prunes, cloves and black pepper. Medium to full bodied, fine grain soft tannins and a flowing, distended finale which searches for a pleasurable lengthening. Better from 2023. |
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Patrizia Cencioni | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Fascinating and decisive in the sensory profile showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, geraniums, lemon peel and salted caramel. Withered red flowers dominate the secondary scene. Full bodied, biting tannins, well integrated in the matrix. and a vertical finale which closes savoury and centred. Better from 2023. |
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Padelletti | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Classic and shining in the primary profile showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, currants, lemon blossom and chopped almonds. Medium to full bodied, light tannins and a linear, tasty finale showing pleasantness and immediate quality. Better from 2023. |
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Andretta Vitanza Winery | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva Firma | 2016 | 96 | Rosso | |
Mature and shiny with a captivating profile alternating notes of sour cherries, pressed red flowers, lemon juice, linden, jasmine, rose petals and dog rose. Full bodied, soft tannins of optimum workmanship and an incredibly elegant and compact finale that will come out over time. Better from 2023. |
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Tassi | Brunello di Montalcino | Franci Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Mature and well centred showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, currants. raspberries and mandarin juice. The fascinating secondary profile is spicy and chameleon like. Full bodied, soft tannins of notable workmanship and a solid, centred finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Querce Bettina | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Decisive and rich in the primary profile showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, orange juice and green tea leaves. Full bodied, velvety tannins of incredible workmanship and a juicy, distended finale, exciting in every sip. Better from 2023. |
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Fanti | Brunello di Montalcino | Vigna Le Macchiarelle Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Open and decidedly sensual in the primary matrix showing notes of red flowers, orange rind, mandarin juice and wilted linden flowers. Medium to full bodied, light tannins and a juicy finale. slightly staid at the moment. Better from 2024. |
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Argiano | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Mature and essential in the sensory profile showing notes of red prunes, mandarin blossom, cut cedar, orange juice and camphor. Full bodied, soft tannins of optimum workmanship and a finale in the classic mould, open and well distended in the tasting. Better from 2022. |
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Le Chiuse | Brunello di Montalcino | Diecianni Riserva | 2012 | 95 | Rosso | |
Complex and decidedly fascinating in the primary matrix showing notes of red flowers, ginger, mandarin peel, cut cedar, turmeric and wet earth. A lot of bergamot and chinotto describe the secondary scene and augment the workmanship. Full bodied, soft, fine textured tannins and a smooth, luminous finale which closes very elegantly. Better from 2023. |
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Máté | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Open on the nose showing notes of raspberries, pomegranate and withered white flowers. Medium to full bodied, biting tannins, slightly rigid at the moment and a tight, vibrant finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Caprili | Brunello di Montalcino | Ad Alberto Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Mature and spicy showing notes of black prunes, cinchona, liquorice, dates and wet leaves. Full bodied, fine grain soft tannins and a finale in the classic mould, radiant and beautiful in every sip. Better from 2023. |
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Piccini | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Deep and mature in the glass showing mixed floral and fruity notes of wet violets, geraniums, agapanthus and a lot of strawberries. Full bodied, soft tannins of a silky quality, splendid and wisely extracted and an elegant, progressive finale of commendable beauty. Better from 2023. |
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La Fortuna | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Deep and decidedly spicy showing a complex matrix with notes of cinchona, rhubarb, sandalwood, mixed wet red flowers and asphalt with citronella and coriander which give fresh tones in the background. Medium to full bodied, velvety tannins which are rich in momentum in the sip and blend with a luminous, very fresh finale of remarkable beauty. Better from 2023. |
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Andretta Vitanza Winery | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 95 | Rosso | |
Fascinating and decidedly complex showing notes of geraniums, calendula, fresh bay leaves, sage, sweet black cherries, juniper berries and cumin. Full bodied, very soft tannins, pleasurable in every sip and a finale in the classic mold well couples power and strength in the sip. Drink now or hold. |
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Pian delle Querci | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Precise and very lively in the glass showing notes of cherries, raspberries, currants, mandarin blossom and cinnamon powder. Full bodied, soft tannins of notable quality and a warm, enveloping finale showing elegance and precision of execution. Better from 2023. |
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Col d’Orcia | Brunello di Montalcino | Poggio al Vento Riserva | 2015 | 94 | Rosso | |
Luminous with a pleasant ‘red’ character showing notes of raspberries, blackcurrants, lemon rind andorange juice. There’s more in the hints of lime and salted caramel. Medium to full bodied, slightly astringent tannins and a finale that need time to lenghten. Better from 2024. |
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Ventolaio | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
The primary profile of this young red is mature and rich in red flowers which blend with notes of currants, raspberries and pomegranate. Medium bodied, lightly extracted tannins and a warm finale that needs time to distend. Better from 2023. |
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Fornacina | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Lively and exuberant in the glass showing notes of red prunes, sour cherries, orange peel and sweet caramel. Medium to full bodied, biting tannins which hide grit and character and a precise finale. Better from 2024. |
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Poggio Landi | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Mature and rich in the sensory profile showing notes of wilted red flowers, mandarin peel, linden flowers. hawthorn and lemon rind. Medium to full bodied, velvety very fine grain tannins and a luminous, essential finale. Better from 2022. |
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Mocali | Brunello di Montalcino | Le Raunate Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Extremely perfumed showing notes of red flowers, wild strawberries, linden, hawthorn and bergamot. Medium to full bodied, fine textured soft tannins and a terse, engaging finale. Better from 2023. |
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Sasso di Sole | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Mature and slightly veiled, the primary profile in the reductive mould shows notes of black prunes, black tea leaves, blackberries, quinine and wild myrtle. Medium to full bodied, light tannins of optimum workmanship and a terse finale, very engaging in the sip. Better from 2024. |
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Podere Brizio | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Slightly agitated in the primary profile showing notes of withered red flowers, black tea leaves, hawthorn and elderflower. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins of good workmanship and a finale in the classic mould that needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Canalicchio di Sopra | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Concentrated and well matured showing notes of ripe currants, black prunes, blackberries, and wet leaves. Medium to full bodied, slightly rigid tannins and a finale of medium length. Better from 2023. |
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La Palazzetta | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 94 | Rosso | |
Intriguing and decidedly complex alternating floral and spicy notes that are more or less sweet. It records the mixed notes of hibiscus, ripe dates, glasswort, undergrowth, green pepper and cumin. Full bodied, soft tannins which are decidedly noble and elegant giving joy in every sip. How beautiful. Drink now or hold. |
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Ridolfi | Brunello di Montalcino | Mercatale Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Fresh and balsamic with a pleasurable sensory impact showing notes of agapanthus, hibiscus, lemon rind and peppermint. Citronella and sage set the secondary scene, enriching the profile. Medium to full bodied, light tannins and a harmonic, balanced finale, really tasty. Better from 2023. |
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Camigliano | Brunello di Montalcino | Gualto Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Decidedly smoky in the primary profile showing notes of wet wood, cumin, white pepper, withered white flowers and burnt orange peel. Medium to full bodied, light, fine textured tannins and a finale with good drinkability. Better from 2022. |
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Scopone | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Very open on the nose showing notes of cherries, sour cherries, mandarin, linden flowers and jasmine. Medium to full bodied, light tannins of optimum workmanship and a juicy, pleasant finale that will come out over time. Better from 2023. |
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Donatella Cinelli Colombini | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Very open on the nose showing notes of dried prunes, wet geraniums, bergamot, quinine and gunshot powder. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins of good workmanship and a tense finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2023. |
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Castelli Martinozzi | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Classic and open in the primary profile showing notes of red flowers, raspberries, currants and pomegranate. In the background lemon peel and mandarin juice dominate the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, tannins velevety on the attack and a finale that needs time to distend. The subtle closing is bitter but will lose that slowly over time. Better from 2023. |
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La Gerla | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva Gli Angeli | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Open and slightly pungent in the sensory profile showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, mandarin peel and withered linden flowers. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins and an enveloping finale of a horizontal nature. Better from 2022. |
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Tenuta di Sesta | Brunello di Montalcino | Duelecci Est Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Intriguing with a mixed and spicy profile showing notes of black prunes, tea leaves, cumin and black pepper. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins and a pleasant, terse finale which demands a return to the glass. Better from 2022. |
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Santa Giulia | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Decidedly floral and spicy showing notes of geraniums, hibiscus, agapanthus, plums, red prunes and dates. Citrusy hints dominate the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins of fine texture and a solid, well distended finale. Drink now. |
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Lazzeretti | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Mature and classic in its style showing notes of red prunes, mixed flowers and blood orange. Medium to full bodied, tannins slightly astringent on the palate and a finale which needs time in the bottle to distend. Better from 2023. |
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Caparzo | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
The mixed floral and fruity sensory profile shows notes of strawberries, red prunes, orange juice, cut cedar and withered white flowers. Medium to full bodied, biting tannins with good grip on the palate and a staid finale which needs more time in the bottle to distend. Better from 2023. |
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Banfi | Brunello di Montalcino | Poggio all’Oro Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Balsamic on the first impact showing notes of red prunes, un-ripe wild strawberries, eucapytus and wild thyme. Medium to full bodied, light tannins of good quality and a slightly staid finale that will come out over time. Better from 2024. |
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Villa Poggio Salvi | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Open and noble in the primary profile showing notes of mixed flowers, coriander, passionflower, geraniums and cumin. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins and a tight, vibrant finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Castiglion del Bosco | Brunello di Montalcino | Millecento Riserva | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Mature and very pleasant in the primary profile showing notes of raspberries, currants, pomegranate, pink grapefruit and dried cherries. A lot of lemon peel dominates the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, slightly gummy soft tannins and a compact finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2024. |
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Il Palazzone | Brunello di Montalcino | Le Due Porte | 2016 | 93 | Rosso | |
Hot and open in the primary profile showing notes of strawberries, red prunes, geraniums, linden flowers and salted caramel. Medium to full bodied, tannins tight and biting and a finale which needs time to lengthen and come out. Better from 2023. |
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Paradiso di Cacuci | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Deep and intense in the primary profile showing notes of orange juice, black prunes, chinotto, bergamot, burnt mandarin and Indian spices. Juniper berries and black pepper dominate the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, fine textured soft tannins and a harmonic, balanced finale, slender and progressive in the sip. Drink now or hold. |
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Piccini | Brunello di Montalcino | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | ||
Open and decisive in the primary character showing notes of cherries, strawberries, dates and cut cedar. Cinnamon powder dominates the secondary scene. Full bodied, mature tannins, sweet in form and a warm, enveloping finale of pleasing length. Better from 2022. |
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Fossacolle | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Spicy and dark in the primary matrix showing notes of black prunes, salted caramel, burnt sage and mandarin peel. Full bodied, soft tannins of notable workmanship and a juicy, luminous finale. Better from 2024. |
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Terre Nere | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Very deep on the nose showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, wild myrtle, wet wood, wet earth and dried cherries. Medium to full bodied, tannins light on the palate and a compressed finale which needs time to lengthen. Better from 2023. |
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Podere la Vigna | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Very mature on the nose showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, cinnamon powder and crushed stone. A lot of wet earth dominates the secondary scene. Full bodied, good quality soft tannins and a solid, compact finale. Better from 2022. |
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La Poderina | Brunello di Montalcino | Poggio Abate Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Slightly herbaceous in the primary profile showing notes of split vine, and ginseng roots. Medium to full bodied, light tannins of a fine texture and a soft, long finale. Well made. Better from 2023. |
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Poggio Antico | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Very mature and concentrated showing notes of black prunes, blackberries, toasted pine-nuts, mandarin juice and withered white flowers. Full bodied, soft tannins and a finale of a subtle sweet nature. Better from 2023. |
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Verbena | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Grape must, blueberry juice, wet leaves and ripe dates are the primary scents of this young red. Full bodied, soft tannins and a solid, compact finale. Better from 2023. |
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Poggio il Castellare | Brunello di Montalcino | Pian Bossolino Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Mature and precise showing notes of strawberries, geraniums, orange rind, cloves and cinnamon powder. Medium to full bodied, slightly extracted light tannins and a luminous finale, beautifully smooth in the sip. Better from 2022. |
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Campaperi | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 92 | Rosso | |
Precise and essential showing notes of black prunes, quinine, wet roots, sandalood and cumin. Medium to full bodied, soft tannins of medium quality and warm, enveloping finale, slightly staid in the sip. Better from 2023. |
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Casisano | Brunello di Montalcino | Colombaiolo Riserva | 2016 | 91 | Rosso | |
Smoky in the primary profile showing notes of withered mandarin blossom, cinnamon powder, toasted hazelnuts and sandalwood. Medium to full bodied, fine textured tannins and a savoury finale with good structure and enjoyability. Better from 2023. |
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Poggio Nardone | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 91 | Rosso | |
Open on the nose showing notes of dried prunes, toasted pine-nuts, pine needles and wilted white flowers. Medium to full bodied, slightly dry tannins and a finale of medium length. Better from 2023. |
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Mocali | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 91 | Rosso | |
Slightly agitated in the primary profile showing notes of tomato leaves, coriander and toasted pine-nuts. A lot of ripe strawberries dominate the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, soft well distended tannins and a broad finale of remarkable drinkability. Better from 2022. |
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La Torre | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 90 | Rosso | |
Splendid in its floral character alternating notes of agapanthus, linden, hawthorn, dried cherries and calendula. In the background broom and wild myrtle descibe the secondary profile. Medium to full bodied, lightly extracted light tannins and a finale of medium length. Better from 2023. |
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Il Palazzone | Brunello di Montalcino | Le Due Porte | 2016 | 89 | Rosso | |
Decisive in the primary profile showing notes of geraniums, salted caramel, withered linden flowers and cumin. Medium to full bodied, slightly dusty tannins and a finale of medium persistency. Drink now. |
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Aisna | Brunello di Montalcino | 2016 | 89 | Rosso | ||
Very mature and concentrated showing notes of dried prunes, strawberries, dates and wet flowers. Full bodied, slightly dry tannins and a warm finale which allows the alcoholic character to emerge from the matrix. Drink now. |
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Poggio dell’Aquila | Brunello di Montalcino | Riserva | 2016 | 89 | Rosso | |
Precise and essential in the primary profile showing notes of mixed red flowers, hawthorn, linden and wild strawberries. Medium to full bodied, slightly astringent tannins and a staid finale which needs time to distend. Better from 2023. |