This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046. KERIN O’KEEFE

Andrea Costanti believes resolutely that 2016 was a year to make a Riserva. His is confidently extracted by a skilled hand and demonstrates the formidable structure, profundity and length to ride out well over a couple of decades. Even on the nose you sense the depth as coffee, leather, wet soil and tobacco intertwine. Filling every corner of the mouth, it stretches out with a tactile chalkiness. Dark earthy nuances are brightened by blood orange and red plum. That pleasant bitter citrus peel echoes on the finish. This is commanding rather than seductive at the moment. Harvested on 1 Oct, there were 8,000 bottles produced – compared to 20,000 for Costanti’s annata bottling.

Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva remains primary, enshrouded in cedar shavings and exotic spice, allowing hints of dried black cherry, lavender and blood orange to emerge with time. This displays remarkable balance, silken in feel, nearly creamy, with fresh acidity to balance its notes of ripe plum and mineral-laced wild berries. It finishes spicy and structured, begging for more time in the cellar. A balsamic tinge lingers, leaving a bitter sensation that puckers the cheeks with tension. Bury your bottles deep. -- Eric Guido

Packed with plum, black cherry and blackberry flavors, this solid red is a bit closed today, despite its freshness. Floral, earth, wild herb and mineral accents chime in as this follows through on the resonant finish. All the components are in the right place. Best from 2025 through 2043. 1,000 cases made, 170 cases imported. — BS

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is darkly saturated and quite rich; however, this classic vintage also delivers an enhanced level of sharpness and focus too. Dark cherry, plum and other black or purple fruits cede to pretty acidic freshness and a sense of tight buoyancy and vitality, which are among the best qualities of this vintage.- ML