2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
2016 was hailed by James Suckling as "one of Brunello's greatest vintages ever". Vibrant acidity, classic character with a precise, focused feel on the palate. These are wines that are just starting to hit their true form. We tasted this wine with Filippo and were blown away by its complexity and lasting finish. Buy whatever you can get your hands on.
Vinous
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts up with elegance and richness, as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savory display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar box with hints of cooling mint. This rushes the palate with sweet red fruits and spices, silky yet lifted, and displaying a delicacy not expected from the Riserva category, yet quite welcome. Beneath is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. Minerality comes through in the finale, mingling with a fine coating of tannin and hints of spicy citrus. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, one tonneau and one large cask, from Romitorio’s cellar. Simply stunning. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038.
Decanter
Castello Romitorio harvests in two stages. The first is an early selection of the smallest, loosest bunches across the oldest vineyards and fills one single tank. In years when the estate Brunello can stand alone, this is bottled separately as a Riserva. The tenth since 1987, the 2016 is wondrously earthy in its overture of clay, mineral rock and iron. It evolves into an autumnal smokiness then lands on balsamic herbs and crunchy red woodland berries. Youthful vigor and verve do not conceal intrinsic finesse. Acid crunch and dramatic mouth-caressing tannins will see this through the long haul. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2038.
Jeb Dunnuck
The eighth Riserva produced at the estate, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva offers a deeper, more serious expression, with a savory, mature profile already coming into focus. The nose offers dried cherries, licorice, leather, and hints of chestnut and smoky spice, all framed in a composed, classic style. Full-bodied, it has ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and a supple texture that makes it highly satisfying today, yet it still holds enough structure to continue evolving with ease. It’s in a great place now, but there’s no need to hurry.
Wine Advocate
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 6,300 bottles made) works beautifully to produce a lasting sense of harmony that reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage. Part of that playlist is power, and indeed this wine registers 15% alcohol, which is high, but the freshness of these vineyard sites and the wine's acidity does a good job of mitigating that power. The fruit is polished and refined in this Riserva, and there is a pretty mix of both primary and even some distant tertiary character to shape a bouquet that is pure but also complex.
Wine Spectator
This red is succulent and bursting with vibrant cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm and lean, with terrific intensity and a long, tangy aftertaste. Harmonious enough to enjoy now, yet it should reach its peak in three to five years.