The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is dark and brooding in its youthful state, offering up a seductive bouquet of dried cherries, currants, cloves and dusty flowers, like opening a cedar incense box lost many years ago. It coasts silken waves of textural red berries and liquid florals across a core of bright acids, becoming spicier and violet-tinged as it travels across the palate. The inner harmony and elegance achieved here is remarkable, as if there is not a hard edge in sight, yet it is structured and savory – almost salty, even. A full minute goes by and hints of licorice, pomegranate and cinnamon still linger on. As motivating and lively as this is today, it will require a number of years in the cellar to show its best. The 2016 Riserva is stunning from start to finish. EG

This is so perfumed with cherry, floral, hot stone and chalk aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, with chewy, velvety and slightly dusty tannins. Bark and truffle add to the complexity of the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024.

Poggio di Sotto’s Riserva is usually crafted from one single 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak cask. In 2016, the estate selected two - essentially doubling production to 8,000 bottles. Radiant and animated, this Riserva captivates with gorgeous aromas of orange oil, rose, pomegranate, raspberry and even sundried tomato. Yet the palate is locked tight, denser than usual but gracefully composed. Tactile tannins wrap around the mouth with a powdery texture. Eventually a succulent core of currants reveals itself. The long and detailed finish exhibits smoke, pepper and orange peel. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042
Tasted by: Michaela Morris (at Chiostro Museo di Montalcino, 20 Nov 2021)
Part of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 vintage report and top-scoring wines

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine and an archetype of classic Sangiovese from Montalcino. I could drink this wine all day if it weren't so expensive. This Riserva is extremely fine and nuanced with the thinnest of fibers that wash over the palate like fine silk. Certified-organic fruit shapes aromas of cassis, cranberry, peony, tea leaf, orange and rusty nail. The aromas are tight and contained, yet they become increasingly expansive and expressive as the wine opens in the glass. It has contained power and, most importantly, a relatively moderate 14% alcohol, which makes all the difference in terms of balance and elegance. 8,000 bottles were made.