2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa

Lustrous mid ruby. Similar to the straight offering, but this shows a little more depth and concentration. Lifted, generous cherry nose with fruit-cake hints and a suggestion of cardamom. Juicy cherry fruit with plenty of depth and lots of grainy tannins and a touch of cinnamon. Already approachable. (WS)

Vigna La Casa is a five-hectare vineyard on the hill of Montosoli and was one of the first to be bottled as a single-vineyard in 1977. Medicinal herbs, balsamic, and black cherry fruit on the nose of the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino La Casa follow through to the palate with consistency. The La Casa is fuller in body, with more depth and intensity. Texturally, it offers a generous and pure mid-palate of fruit, with tannins that build on the finish. Drink over the next 10 to 15 years.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa takes a little time to collect itself in the glass, pulling you closer as white smoke gives way to crushed stone, then peppery florals, wild strawberry and cedar. The textures are like pure silk, with an elegant display of savory black cherry and spice complicated by salty minerals. This shows amazing density while never feeling heavy, nearly masking its fine-grained tannins until the very end, where hints of orange citrus and dried berries linger. The 2016 La Casa is a beauty with plenty of upside potential.