2016 Brunello di Montalcino: a golden vintage

The 2015 Brunello from Biondi-Santi shows this estate is back on form. This has the sunny demeanour of the vintage, but also the restraint and nobility that you'd expect from this address. Notes of sour cherry, tea leaves, and a citrus lift complete the picture on a refined, cerebral, profound Sangiovese.

This is a precise, focussed, impressive Brunello from Mastrojanni. Notes of plum and orange zest on the nose, while the palate is nicely rounded, but with grainy tannins, and a real energy on the finish. Very nicely put together, this.

The Vigna Soccorso is a single vineyard Brunello, from one of the most prized sites in the appellation. It’s powerful and intense, with notes of ripe morello cherries, blood orange, and a herbal lift. The palate is intense, with concentrated fruit and enveloping tannins. This will need time, but when it does, it will be a remarkable wine for the price. Not to be missed in 2016.

From a warmer site in front of the winery, the 2016 Loreto balances incredible energy and a plush, opulent mouthfeel, making it a truly beguiling Sangiovese. There's notes of tea and some grapefruit zest alongside the core of cherry fruit. Surprisingly ready to go, but with huge potential.

Cupano's Brunello 2016 is a stunning wine. Notes of tapenade and baked earth swirl from the glass, with a core of deep fruit. The palate is structured but impeccably balanced, and there's a sense of energy on the finish. Detailed, long, and spellbounding, this is not to be missed.