Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

Introduction

This Brunello Riserva is made only in the best years and is sourced from a special selection of grapes collected from the best of the estate’s 41 hectares in southeast Montalcino. Extended aging in oak results in a more complex wine with long aging potential.

95 Points – Wine Advocate

Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the historic, grandfather estates of the appellation, and this important point comes to mind every time I review their new releases. The wines always show a distinctly traditional side that is just part of this estate’s DNA, and I’d like to think that this defining characteristic would not change even if a concerted effort was made to do so. Territory speaks loud in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine offers purity and deep layering with alternating tones of dried cherry, dark spice, cola, and crushed flowers. Only 4,000 bottles were made.

95 Points – Wine Spectator

This red is pure and supple, evoking cherry, blackberry, licorice, earth and spice flavours, delivering almost seamless harmony at this early stage, with refined tannins that are very well-integrated. Shows fine length, courtesy of the vibrant acidity. Best from 2023 through 2043.

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Brunello has delicate savoury aromas of rosemary, dried raspberry, and floral forest floor. There is freshness and pure ripe fruit that fills the palate, with blood orange, dried red cherry, and fresh tomato leaf as well as classic, angular tannin structure and a pleasant light bitterness. This wonderfully expressed traditional wine will be prime for enjoyment over the next 15 years.

95 Points – James Suckling

Aromas of plums, cherries, flowers and sandalwood follow through to a full body with chewy, polished tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Lots of structure and intensity. Give it at least three or four years to come around.