2016 Castello di Romtorio Brunello

2016 Castello di Romtorio Brunello

2016 Castello di Romtorio Brunello There is something heady and invigorating about this: a lifted nose of oak and fruit with notions of Marasca cherry, violet and pomegranate. Earthy hints appear, too, as do nuances of sage and soy with increasing age. The body has densely woven, firm but fine tannins, according the wine a great structure; a skeleton upon which fruit, oak and aroma can express themselves fully. The wine unfolds slowly in the glass, becomes more sinuous and sensuous with air while the gentle astringency of the tannins is very moreish. Bottle age brings welcome tertiary notes of leather and herb, both grip and aroma are long lasting. This is impressive upon release but even more true to itself with advancing age. Winemaker

Dark, brooding and geared for the cellar, the 2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino takes its time opening up in the glass, yet patience is rewarded, as a mix of blackberry and cherry further blossoms, adding crushed stone minerality with hints of sage, lavender and violets. It’s silky and textural upon entry, yet it firms up quickly through a mix of vibrant acids and saturating fine tannin. However, there’s plenty of density to its primary fruits, feeling almost weighty in this youthful state yet perfectly balanced all the same. Savory herbs and spice linger along with tart red berries on the long, structured and dramatic finish. The 2016 is full of potential yet needs time in the cellar to show its best.

The 2016 vintage for Brunello is one of the greatest ever. The vintage received 98pts by Parker’s Wine Advocate, the highest they have ever rated a vintage. The Wine Spectator gave the vintage even higher 99pts again the highest they have ever rated a vintage. The wine wines were released in 2021 and most have sold out. If you are looking for Brunello to age in your cellar for decades, buy the 2016 vintage and today we have one of the finest, the 2016 Romitorio Brunello in limited supply at a great price. The Castello Romitorio is a massive 12th century fortress which now produces exquisite Tuscan wines.
When two great artists share a common goal, the results are often breath taking. The wine that I offer today is the result from a dynamic partnership between two of Italy’s most revered artists: Sandro Chia, is an artist in a traditional sense: he paints, sculpts and creates true beauty, just take a look at his winery’s cellar (pictured at right). Carlo Ferrini is an artist with wine and the two have worked together since Chia, a wine lover, purchased Castello di Romitorio in 1984 and spent years and countless lira to restore it to glory. He has stated that his best wine decision was to hire Carlo.

Carlo Ferrini is quite possibly the best winemaker in Italy today and he thrives in Tuscany, his home turf like no one else. His wines are made in a modern style: showy, rich and seductive are trademarks of his dazzling style. The wines for which he is responsible is jaw-dropping: Casanova di Neri, Mazzei, Brancaia, Petrolo, Barone Ricasoli and San Leonardo. These are wines that score between 95 – 100 points and land on top wine lists from the best wine publications around the world. We have hosted him a number of times and it is that bond that has allowed us access to this stunning wine.

Romitorio is on the up. Every vintage just gets better and better and I believe over time, it will reach the heights of a Valdicava! So much Tuscan dust in the nose, known for its richness, opulence and concentration, the 2016 is spectacular and is one of the two best vintages I have tasted in the last twenty years.