2016 Sesta di Sopra, Brunello di Montalcino

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino turns the dial up a notch in terms of intensity and power. The bouquet reveals dark fruit, dried cherry, cassis, cola, spice and rosemary essence. I can't help but notice the wide aromatic presentation and the considerable depth. There is a touch of white chocolate or bitter almond as well that is unique to this wine. Winemaking is executed in a traditional manner, with aging in large Slavonian oak casks that lasts three careful years. The vineyard site is home to schistous galestro soils, and defining mineral characteristics are carried through on the close. Only 4,700 bottles were made.

The dark and alluring bouquet of the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino really keeps you at the edge of the glass, where notes of tobacco and dried flowers give way to ripe black cherries, plum and hints of cloves. It’s velvety in texture, yet there's a lift of minerals and acids here that maintains wonderful balance. Concentrated red/black berries accumulate, coating the palate in primary fruit under an air of purple inner florals. Its tannic heft sneaks up on you, previously masked by the 2016’s youthful intensity. There’s so much going on here and so much more to come after five to ten years of cellaring.

Youthful mid ruby. Ripe, perfumed cherry fruit with a peppery tingle and hints of laurel. Concentrated, juicy cherry fruit with grainy, bitter-sweet tannins that take the lead on the finish. Can be approached now. (WS)