The 2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello offers notes of pine resin, black cherry, and dried strawberry aromatics. The palate is concentrated and compact, with dried tomato leaf bitterness and tobacco. The structure is not shy, with a rich core of fruit, bold tannin upfront and just as much acidity to match. This is a bold wine for the 2016 vintage, packed with sun-kissed warmth. It commands time in the cellar, so drinking is recommended over 2026-2041.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a total pleasure. I was expecting a bruiser but found a beguiling blend of spiced orange and dusty cherries complemented by a cascade of rosy florals. It’s round and plaint, showing its southern Montalcino fruit with pride, yet refined, silky and harmonious, with a core of saline minerality that adds a tactile crunch toward the close. Grippy tannins are front and center through the long and dramatic finale, as hints of licorice and a bitter tinge of blackberry seeds punctuate the finale. This is pure seduction. -- Eric Guido

An earthy, meaty version, sporting black cherry, plum, raw beef, iron and bouillon aromas and flavors. The fruit element intensifies on the palate, playing out on a long finish that is balanced and fresh, showing dusty tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043. – BS

This starts off as its usual youthfully reductive self, but with plenty of air it displays appealing perfumes of iris, violet and plum. Midweight and elegant, it seems to defy the generous warmth of the estate’s southwestern site. Nevertheless, layers of dark fruit wrap around the tight, flinty core while dry, powdery tannins give ample support. The finish lingers with spice and garrigue. I suspect this will age slowly and handsomely.

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.

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.- ML