The 2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is a Sangiovese Grosso varietal from the renowned Tuscany region in Italy. With a robust alcohol content of 14.5%, this red wine showcases the classic attributes of its vintage and region.
James Suckling from jamessuckling.com rates it at 94 points, noting its "well-structured" nature and highlighting flavors such as dried mushrooms, oysters, and crushed stones. Suckling describes it as "full-bodied with firm tannins" and suggests it will benefit from additional aging, recommending to drink after 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, particularly Monica Larner, awards this wine an impressive 95 points. Larner commends its "classic expression of the vintage" and admires its balance between elegance and power. She emphasizes its "expanded array of Sangiovese flavors" including wild cherry, forest floor, and medicinal herb. Larner also notes its "plump density and a velvety texture," indicating it is suitable for medium to long-term aging. The production is noted to be exactly 58,874 bottles.
Vinous reviewer Eric Guido also gives it a 95-point score, describing it as "darkly floral with a mentholated lift." Guido finds it softer and more supple than expected, with a "mineral tension combined with tart wild berry fruits" and a finish that leaves an "enlivening orange tinge." He suggests that while the potential is high, cellaring is still recommended.
Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson rates it at 94 points, pointing out its "core of pure black cherry" and additional flavors of wild thyme, rosemary, iron, and tobacco. Sanderson notes that it is best from 2025 through 2048, indicating its longevity.
Decanter offers a slightly lower but still commendable score of 92 points. They highlight the contributions of the Chia family and the Martini cellarmasters. Described as "full of youthful energy and exuberance," the wine is noted for its "wild black cherry, rosemary, and cedar" flavors. Decanter mentions its "silky upfront" tannins and a "refreshing juiciness" with an "explosion of red plum on the finish."
Overall, the 2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is a well-regarded wine, praised for its balance, complexity, and potential for aging.