The 2016 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino is a distinguished red wine hailing from Tuscany, Italy. Crafted from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, this vintage showcases the robust and multifaceted character typical of Brunello di Montalcino wines. At 13.5% alcohol, it is a full-bodied wine sealed with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling bestowed a perfect score of 100 on this wine, noting its "blackberries, black walnuts and black cherries," alongside "loads of chewy tannins." Suckling highlights its "full-bodied and powerful" nature, adding that it "keeps growing on the palate" with a "crazy finish." He suggests patience, recommending to "try after 2025" (jamessuckling.com, 11/11/2020).
Vinous' Eric Guido awarded the wine 95 points, describing it as "rich and darkly alluring with a pleasantly rustic touch." Guido emphasizes its "remarkable purity and enveloping, plush textures," and notes a "tactile mineral tinge" that lingers with "gently grippy tannins" (Vinous, 12/7/2023).
Jeb Dunnuck also rated it 95 points, pointing out the wine's "rusticity with saddle leather, cherry pit, licorice and celery seed." Dunnuck mentions its "concentration on the midpalate with drying tannins" and describes it as "classic and savory" with a "long finish" (jebdunnuck.com, 3/4/2021).
Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O'Keefe gave it an excellent score of 97, lauding its "red berry, violet and menthol aromas" and a palate of "Marasca cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of game." O'Keefe praises its "assertive, fine-grained tannins" and "bright acidity," suggesting a drinking window of 2024–2036 (Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/2021).
Wine Spectator's B.S. rated it 94 points, describing "muddled plum and cherry flavors" complemented by "leather, black tea and iron notes." B.S. appreciates its "chewy tannins" and "lively" finish, recommending it is best from 2024 through 2047 (Wine Spectator, 3/31/2021).
Decanter scored it 92 points, noting the estate's 16-hectare plot on Montosoli hill. They highlight "exotic spice notes of paprika and clove," combined with "leather and dried berries." Decanter describes it as "currently austere" with an "irony" palate and "loads of chalky Sangiovese tannins," finishing with a "drying sensation" (Decanter, 3/22/2021).
Overall, the 2016 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino is a robust, multifaceted wine that has garnered high praise for its complexity, concentration, and excellent aging potential.
