“Wow! My expectations were high for Sassetti’s 2016 Brunello given its tremendous performance in 2015 and the excitement surrounding the 2016 vintage. Immediately on the nose it lives up to expectations – and then some. It is deep and profound yet pretty with mouth-wateringly fresh fruit, crushed rose petals, earthy spice, red cherry and raspberries. Hints of evolution in the form of balsamic strawberries and iron-rich meat, and only the most delicate whisper of smoke. Sweet berries and grilled herbs atop warm, gravelly stones. On the palate the wine’s complexity displays itself in intricately discernible layers – great detail, depth and breadth of flavour is matched by a fantastic fine-grained tannin structure and a long, elegant finish. The tannins are firm at first but melt to liquid silk on the finish, with structure, concentration, freshness and smooth balance all nodding to a very long life ahead. Superb!”

FINE+RARE

“Blackberries, black walnuts and black cherries, as well as loads of chewy tannins. Some smoked wood, wood tannins and even black truffles. It’s full-bodied and powerful with loads going on. It just keeps growing on the palate. So much wet earth and black olive at the finish with porcini mushrooms, too. Needs time to soften. Crazy finish. Try after 2025.”

100 POINTS – JAMES SUCKLING

“Wow! My expectations were high for Sassetti’s 2016 Brunello given its tremendous performance in 2015 and the excitement surrounding the 2016 vintage. Immediately on the nose it lives up to expectations – and then some. It is deep and profound yet pretty with mouth-wateringly fresh fruit, crushed rose petals, earthy spice, red cherry and raspberries. Hints of evolution in the form of balsamic strawberries and iron-rich meat, and only the most delicate whisper of smoke. Sweet berries and grilled herbs atop warm, gravelly stones. On the palate the wine’s complexity displays itself in intricately discernible layers – great detail, depth and breadth of flavour is matched by a fantastic fine-grained tannin structure and a long, elegant finish. The tannins are firm at first but melt to liquid silk on the finish, with structure, concentration, freshness and smooth balance all nodding to a very long life ahead. Superb!”

FINE+RARE