2016 has been heralded by most in the wine review world as a vintage for the ages. Over the past few decades these types of descriptors have lost a little luster, as it seems like every few years there is another one declared. Maybe global warming has fundamentally changed the dynamics of the world’s vineyards and great vintages will just be the norm going forward. I’m not a climate specialist, and will leave that one to the experts. Regardless of the cause, it does seem that there are more excellent vintages year to year than in times past. That is a good thing. Having that “great” vintage year gives you a warm and fuzzy that anything from that year has a good chance to be excellent. It is not a guarantee, however, and within those vintages are truly great wines and some not so good ones. You still have to judge the individual wines objectively.
Let’s do that with the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino reviewed below. The praise for the 2016 vintage in Montalcino is extensive. High 90’s scores are common. This wine received 96 points from James Suckling, so it is in pretty rarified company, at least from a perspective of ratings. Here’s the wine:
Wine: 2016 Verbena Brunello di Montalcino
Winery Location: Montalcino, Italy
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: May 2022
Tasting Notes: From a family owned and operated winery, this juice is medium dark red trending toward garnet. The nose is huge, and delivers waves of black cherry and berry aromas accented with tobacco leaf, some herbs and spice as well as orange peel. On the palate it is full bodied, with refreshing aid and a keen balance. The wine has an energy to it now, and is exuberant in its youth. Brisk tannins will soften with time. On the palate the fruit core is just beautiful and is really the hallmark of this wine, at least right now. It should age effortlessly and for a long time. Delicious now and perfect for cellaring, this is a great Brunello.
Price Point – We paid $39.99
Would We Buy It? – we did, and once we opened the bottle we bought more. This is a great value under $40, or under $50 for that matter.
If this is indicative of what 2016 has to offer in Montalcino then the praise is justified. That means we have to open many more to be certain. Tough duty indeed.
A votre santé!
Leave a Reply