2016 - Brunello di Montalcino, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino (with 56,000 bottles made) shows bold cherry, spice, crushed stone and balsam herb that come together in seamless fashion. This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I'd describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit. The wine is fueled by the golden light that hits this part of Tuscany in those last hours of the day. Here is a wine that shows spirit of place.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona places savory herbs, exotic spice and earth tones above ripeness of fruit. It’s decidedly dark and brooding on the nose, lifted by hints of fresh-picked mint and sage. There are depths of velvety textures in the mouth, offset by a tactile mix of tart wild berries, minerals and zesty acidity which adds vibrancy in spite of the tannic heft and primary intensity found here. The 2016 finishes with a monolithic feel, still wound up tightly in its youthful state but also promising many years of positive evolution in our cellars. This is gorgeous and a great value for age-worthy Brunello.

Fermentation in stainless-steel and glass-lined concrete tanks. Aged for over 24 months in 20- to 75-hl Slavonian oak casks, followed by eight months in bottle. Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Quite mellow on the nose with hints of tobacco leaf. Supple rich and easy-going with good acidity but the fruit is quite rich and already developing. Could be a little edgier. (WS)