2016 - Brunello di Montalcino, Gianni Brunelli

This 2016 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino has a very restrained nose with black cherry and woodland berry aromas with a light dusting of oak spice. There are some dark berried fruit flavors and aromas and a hint of distant woodsmoke. The palate has a dark, brooding tar and green leaf note with a touch of lavender and blue flowers. There is a delicate range of aromas and flavors as the wine opens up. This wine has very good concentration and depth of flavor in the middle with lovely freshness and juicy acidity on the finish and fine-textured, perfectly integrated tannins. A lovely example of 2016.

The totally classic and refined 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Gianni Brunelli is a perfect follow-up to the warm-vintage 2015 that was tasted earlier this year. Arching flowery perfumes, the purest expression of cherry and strawberry imaginable, hints of mint, sage and cedar dust - all can be found within its dazzling bouquet. This contrasts youthful density of ripe primary fruit, with salty minerality and vibrant acids to create a cascading and crunchy impression on the palate. The 2016 isn’t ready to show all of its treasures today; instead, it impresses on sheer potential, tapering off with fine tannins, hints of licorice and gorgeous inner florals. This may even warrant a higher score over time.