2016 Ferrero Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

The bouquet on the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is almost confectionary, with sweet Christmas spice giving way to sugar-dusted plums, black cherries, cloves and hints of cocoa. It washes across the palate with velvety waves of polished red fruits, as hints of sour citrus and inner rose tones create contrast and balance. This tapers off structured with fine tannins, a twang of tart black currant and salted licorice. The 2016 needs time to unwind and integrate the wood spice that currently dominates the nose, but there’s a lot under the hood here, and a balanced structure to carry it for over a decade. Only time will truly tell. (EG) 93+