2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino

2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino

95 Galloni, 93 Parker From Brunello’s All Time Great 2016 Vintage
Ready to Ship from Benchmark Producer

2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino

After much waiting and anticipation, we are finally seeing the release of the highly anticipated 2016 vintage from Tuscany’s superstar appellation, Brunello di Montalcino. In their youth, 2016 reminded us of 2010,  the 2016’s, they are ethereal wines and cannot be missed.  Lamberto Frescobaldi of Castelgiocondo says “these are wines for your cellar” with a backbone and foundation that “are really special.”  Antonio Galloni likens the 2016’s to “a well-muscled black stallion in its prime.  They are dark yet radiant, expressive, nearly explosive at times, yet pure, poised and structured.  These are wines that capture your imagination; and no matter how youthfully tense they are today, you simply can’t help but revisit a glass over and over again; because in many cases, the aromatics alone are intoxicating. I frankly cannot remember the last time I tasted young wines from Montalcino that possessed such symmetry from start to finish.”  Parker’s WA comments, “Brunello from 2016 and Brunello Riserva from 2015 are poised for long-term success, they will undoubtedly be remembered as important highlights on a long timeline of vintages. These are career-defining wines for many estates and for the appellation as a whole.” Suffice to say, 2016 is a key vintage release.  Buy to your heart’s content. Demand is fierce, they are extremely collectible, will increase in value and everybody who loves wine on the planet wants these wines.

Many of the 2016’s are just now arriving to the US, and some will not be released until later this year, but today’s offer is physically here ready to ship.  A trifecta of scores, a key vintage, and the lowest price online WITH Free shipping on a case.  The wine is Col D’Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, one of the original founding estates of Montalcino.  Even if you’ve never tried Brunello, you have heard of Col D’Orcia.  They are a leader in Brunello, owned by the legendary Cinzano family, and have helped to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions.  The wine scored massive press, a “trifecta” of 95 Spectator, 93 Suckling, and 93 Parker, and we have been able to secure the lowest price online, under $50 a bottle.  This is one of the first Brunellos from 2016 that I can actually hold in my hand, and is always one of the finest for the money.  Amazing scores, amazing price, and an amazing wine.

Wine Test – Dusty earth gives way to dried roses, incense, hints of cedar, sage, currants and black cherries in a display that makes the 2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino a very special experience. It’s nuanced and perfumed from start to finish, boasting silky textures contrasted by tart berries and minerals, but with sweet tannins that frame the expression perfectly. Its inner sweetness is balanced by bright acids, creating an almost-juicy sensation, right up until the moment you realize that your palate is aching with youthful tension. There’s so much going on and much more to come, making me wonder what the Poggio al Vento might offer in the 2016 vintage. For now, that doesn’t even matter, because the 2015 Col d’Orcia impresses on nearly every level. – 95pts Antonio Galloni

The Col d’Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a widely available wine with an ample production of 240,000 bottles. It is also a landmark wine in Montalcino, although it tends to be very vintage-sensitive, with some releases showing much better than others. In the case of the twofold 2015 and 2016 powerhouse vintages, I like both wines about the same. This cooler vintage shows dark fruit and spice, while there’s an extra layer of leather or cigar ash at the back. This wine is made with organic fruit. It displays a mid-weight mouthfeel with tight tannins and lively acidity, the kind that will cut through your favorite steak dinner. – 93pts Robert Parker

A very polished, refined red with berry and flower aromas, as well as hints of citrus and rose petals. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely polish. From organically grown grapes. Give it a year or two to come around, but already very pretty. – 93pts James Suckling