Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva remains primary, enshrouded in cedar shavings and exotic spice, allowing hints of dried black cherry, lavender and blood orange to emerge with time. This displays remarkable balance, silken in feel, nearly creamy, with fresh acidity to balance its notes of ripe plum and mineral-laced wild berries. It finishes spicy and structured, begging for more time in the cellar. A balsamic tinge lingers, leaving a bitter sensation that puckers the cheeks with tension. Bury your bottles deep.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is darkly saturated and quite rich; however, this classic vintage also delivers an enhanced level of sharpness and focus too. Dark cherry, plum and other black or purple fruits cede to pretty acidic freshness and a sense of tight buoyancy and vitality, which are among the best qualities of this vintage.

Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Concentrated, ripe cherry nose with minerally hints. Focused cherry fruit with gorgeous, succulent acidity. On the finish the fruit is still a little compact and with a layer of fine-grained long tannins. A beauty in the making. (WS)