Mother Nature was kind to Montalcino in 2016. The growing season was warm and dry with well-timed sprinkles of rain. Crucially, significant temperature differences between day and night allowed for long, slow and simultaneous ripening of sugars and polyphenols.
In the glass, the annata Brunello exhibited transparency, balance, raciness and beautifully formed tannins with ability to age.
Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the best Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 wines
High expectations
With all the deserved praise, the obvious assumption was that Montalcino’s producers would be unanimous in their decision to release a 2016 Riserva. Opinions, however, were clearly divided. This speaks equally to varying philosophies as it does to the diversity of the region.
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Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016: top wines
View all 43 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 wines, plus two late releases, tasted for this report
{}
{"wineId":"55417","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55427","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55435","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55436","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55421","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55445","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55448","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55450","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55453","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55422","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55437","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55439","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55419","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55442","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55452","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55454","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55414","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55415","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55424","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55434","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55418","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55423","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55438","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55443","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55455","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55457","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{"wineId":"55416","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}
{}
