À Montalcino, l'année 2016 s'est déroulée à un rythme tranquille. Un hiver froid a été suivi d'un printemps pluvieux, qui a apporté une humidité abondante, puis un été chaud et sec s'est installé. En août et septembre, il y a eu un fort écart de température entre le jour et la nuit, ce qui a permis au sucre et aux polyphénols (composés qui déterminent la couleur et la teneur en tanins) de mûrir au même rythme. Les vendanges ont eu lieu en septembre. Les rendements ont été inférieurs à la normale : pour de nombreux producteurs de Montalcino, ils ont baissé d'environ 15 à 20 % par rapport aux niveaux habituels ; de plus, les peaux des raisins étaient plus fines qu'en 2015 et l'acidité était plus élevée.
Robert Parker (97)
Canalicchio di Sopra is faithful to the concept of Riserva, and there is always a marked, but proportional, stylistic difference between this wine (which is aged for 36 months in Slavonian casks) and the annata release. This is exact how it should be. Riserva is an extension of annata, not an exaggeration of it. From a classic vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a special and highly collectible bottle. It shows depth and profound fruit with bright cherry, plum and crushed flower. It also manages greater concentration and density while maintaining its graceful personality. You'll need to add quite a few years of age to this wine. Production is a mere 4,133 bottles.
Winespectator (97)
Leads off with high-toned cherry and strawberry flavors and savory, mineral elements, which are buoyed by vibrant acidity and solid tannins. This is still very youthful and full of nerve, complexity. Reveals hints of soy and chocolate that add more detail on the long aftertaste.
James Suckling (97)
Lovely sweet black cherries and blackberries on the nose with lots of flowers. Full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins that are polished and beautiful. It’s very poised and pretty now, but will deliver so much more with bottle age. Goes on and on. Drink after 2024.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Lustrous mid ruby with narrow orange rim. Deep, balsamic nose with a minerally tingle. Suave, succulent cherry fruit palate with firm, ripe grainy tannins. Very long and with plenty of structure. Fantastic balance. Concentrated and elegant at the same time, while the tannins demand more bottle age. Walter Speller
