Riserva Madonna del Piano, hails from one of the first and best single-vineyard sites in Montalcino, with production dating back to 1977. Made only in the best vintages and from the oldest vines on the property, in 1994 Valdicava was granted the right to list the Madonna del Piano vineyard designation on the label. The 19.5 hectare single vineyard is divided into four parts: old vines, Pievecchina, Pratea and Sferracavallo. Owner Vincenzo Abbruzzese harvests the vines from each part of the vineyard at different times and makes the wines separately before blending them together. The wine is then aged about two years in large old casks and another two years in bottle.

Valdicava’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva “Madonna del Piano” 2016 is the estate’s flagship Sangiovese, sourced from the Madonna del Piano vineyard in the Montosoli area on Montalcino’s north side. The estate is family-owned, founded in 1953 and led since 1987 by Vincenzo Abbruzzese. In 2016, the wine lands as a concentrated, age-worthy Riserva with a consistent theme across critics: power held in check by freshness and detail.

The top reviews are excellent. James Suckling awards 99 points, calling it “heavenly on the nose” with “fresh flowers such as violet and cherries” and “freshly shaved sandalwood,” then noting “very fine tannins…focused and intense with a polished nature.” He recommends patience: “Give it at least five to six years… Better after 2027.”

Jeb Dunnuck also scores it 99 points, describing “rich perfume…lavender, black cherry, cassis, fresh leather, licorice, fresh soil, and sage,” and a “ripe velveteen texture, while maintaining freshness.” Reviewer Audrey Frick adds that it is “moving at a glacial pace in its evolution,” with a long runway ahead (2026–2050).

Wine Spectator’s 98-point review emphasizes structure and early complexity, calling it “expressive yet complex,” already showing “tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice,” alongside “cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise.” Spectator reports production at “2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported,” and projects a long drinking window (2025–2045).

At 96+ points, Monica Larner for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate highlights the estate’s aim: “intensity, its balance and its freshness,” with “fruit weight and power…offset by acidity.” Vinous (96 points) is more atmospheric, finding it “totally captivating,” with dark fruit, “black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone,” and concluding it is “one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest” Madonna del Piano they’ve seen.