2016 - Brunello di Montalcino, Pertimali (Livio Sassetti)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and darkly alluring with a pleasantly rustic touch, as a burst of crushed black cherries and autumnal spice is lifted by suggestions of mint and white smoke. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness, showing remarkable purity and enveloping, plush textures as ripe red and blue fruits swirl throughout, guided by vibrant acidity. A tactile mineral tinge lingers along with gently grippy tannins as the 2016 tapers off with a sour sensation that keeps the mouth watering as a savory herbal thrust slowly fades. This bottle isn’t showing the purity of previous experiences, yet remains a killer Brunello.