2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the historic, grandfather estates of the appellation, and this important point comes to mind every time I have the honor of reviewing their new releases. The wines always show a distinctly traditional side that is just part of this estate's DNA, and I'd like to think that this defining characteristic would not change even if a concerted effort was made to do so. Territory speaks loud in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine offers purity and deep layering with alternating tones of dried cherry, dark spice, cola and crushed flowers. Only 4,000 bottles were made.
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Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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Maturing ruby with orange rim. A little dusty and with hints of iron but otherwise closed. Mellow, round ripe fruit without any edges and completely ready now. (WS)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva captivates with a classic bouquet of dusty dried cherries and strawberries, giving way to cedar shavings, worn leather and rose. This enters the palate silky, pliant and round, yet quickly gains momentum, as brisk acids enliven the red berry fruits and inner spices. A finely etched web of tannins lingers through the finale, where hints of pomegranate, licorice and clove resonate for what seems like a full minute. The Riserva is a selection of the oldest vines from within the Barbi vineyards. It spends three years in a combination of Slavonian oak and 500- to 700-liter tonneaux. Give this another five years of cellaring to truly shine.