Darkly floral and with a mentholated lift, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly blossoms in the glass with a blend of stone dust, dried cherries, pine shavings and sweet smoke. This is softer and more supple than expected, yet quickly builds with a mineral tension combined with tart wild berry fruits as the slightest trace of tangerine and cedar adds contrast toward the close. The 2016 leaves an enlivening orange tinge through the finish, along with gritty tannins and a slightly chewy sensation, tapering off dramatically long and youthfully tense. The potential here is very high, yet cellaring is still recommended.

The Castello Romitorio 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a classic expression of the vintage, showing lots of ripe fruit, crushed mineral, herbal nuances and varietal-driven purity. This wine nails that sweet spot between elegance and power that is not easily achieved. It offers an expanded array of Sangiovese flavors with wild cherry, forest floor, crushed clove and medicinal herb, but it also shows plump density and a velvety texture. Filippo Chia and his team have created a sold wine for medium or long-term drinking. Production is exactly 58,874 bottles.