Brunello Di Montalcino 2016 Castiglion Del Bosco

Just Named Our Italian Wine of the Year!

Castiglion del Bosco is one of the oldest estates in Tuscany, located on the Via Francigena route to Rome, it has a rich history. With 125 acres of vines, the property is perched on a hill looking down onto the surrounding valleys, and the vineyards have optimal exposure. It was one of the founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in the 1960's and it is believed that Ferrucio Biondi Santi resided there in the 1880's when he was isolating the Sangiovese clone that became Brunello. This estate prides itself on quality and respect for tradition.

This 2016 is an outstanding effort. The grapes fermented and macerated over 18 days and the wine aged in both French oak barriques and large French oak casks over 24 months.

James Suckling scored this 99 points saying “The complexity and beauty to this is really something with cherry, walnut, tobacco and cigar-box character. Sweet cherries. It is full-bodied and deep with super intensity and power. Layered and beautiful. Really refined tannins. Some whole-berry fermentation gives this added character. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2025.” 

This was just awarded Best in Show, Platinum Medal 97 points in the Decanter World Wine Awards. They said "We were lucky enough to have a splendid entry from Brunello di Montalcino this year, as this zone’s other Gold and Platinum medals testify, drawing on both the superb 2015 (Reserva) and 2016 vintages. Much effort went into scrutinising these wines to find a worthy candidate for our Best In Show collection -- and here it is. 

Translucent black-red in color, shading to a glowing garnet rim, with refined, artfully composed scents of subdued berry fruits, warm summer forest, dried mushrooms and soft suede. The wine is intense, deep, perfectly pitched in structural terms between lively, well-rounded acidity and brisk, sober tannins: a dignified, grave yet rewarding wine for a fine dinner. It is fully accessible now, yet the quality of its fruit and its balance suggest many years’ ageing potential, too."