2016 Cortonesi Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella

The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella from Cortonesi is smoky and slightly herbal with a tart woodland berry profile to match. Silky and cool-toned in nature, this impresses with tactile, mineral-laced red fruits and hints of sour citrus, creating a balanced expression. This finishes very pretty and floral, with nuanced tannins that frame the experience nicely. The 2016 La Mannella may not be a wine for the ages, but it will certainly impress over the medium term.