Pertimalli Brunello di Montalcino 2016

I'm going to need convincing that 2016 Brunello will be a greater vintage (than 2015). Being there at vintage time both years, left me with the impression at least, that the producers couldn't have hoped for 2016 to be as good as the glorious '15 - so they weren't going to. But the sheer energy in this Pertimali may mark it as one of their 2-3 greatest-ever wines.

If checking in early, make sure to give the towering 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Pertimali plenty of time to stretch its legs. It's incredibly shy and backward upon first pulling the cork, coming to life nearly an hour later and never taking a step back from there on out. A beguiling display of spiced orange peels, sour cherry and mint pull you closer to the glass, where notes of cardamom, cinnamon, clove and sage reside. It's dangerously soft and supple at first sip with fleshy red fruits and sweet spices blanketing the palate; yet beneath this soothing mix, a complex web of minerals and fine tannin slowly saturate. That said, there's a lively bolt of acidity which maintains freshness in spite of the 2016's heroic structure. Inner florals resonate along with a hint of white pepper, as it tapers off with classic austerity. This is a gorgeous vintage for Pertimali. 97 points Eric Guido, Galloni Vinous

Blackberries, black walnuts and black cherries, as well as loads of chewy tannins. Some smoked wood, wood tannins and even black truffles. It's full-bodied and powerful with loads going on. It just keeps growing on the palate. So much wet earth and black olive at the finish with porcini mushrooms, too. Needs time to soften. Crazy finish. Try after 2025 100 points, jamessuckling.com

Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Brunello di Montalcino