2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
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. Drink 2026-2040. Located on the northern slopes of the Montalcino region, surrounded by forest, Castello di Romitorio has produced wines that were impressive across the range, expressive of purity, mineral intensity, finesse, and power without weight. The tannin management is remarkable across the range of the wines tasted for this report. They were tasted at the estate with founder Sandro Chia’s son, Filippo Chia. Also included in this report are his wines from Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte, their sister estate in Scansano.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
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.
A rather refined and linear 2016 riserva with cherry, cedar, vanilla and dried-flower character. Medium body. Bright finish. Better in a year or two.
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.