Brunello di Montalcino Banfi 2016 (750ML)

95 points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: “Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften. Better than the 2015. Try after 2023.” 11/20

94 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers clean and pristine fruit and otherwise delivers a textbook interpretation of the vintage. Given the large extension of vineyards farmed by this estate, which is located on the southern side of the appellation, and the deft technological approach employed in the winery, you can count on Castello Banfi to offer an authentic read of any of their wines about to hit the market or that have been aged at the back of your cellar. Indeed, the Banfi library of wines acts as an institutional memory of modern Brunello. This edition shows sharp and focused fruit with leather, potting soil and balsam herb. For a straight-up classic Brunello, this wine delivers the goods.” 11/20

92 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "A rich, earthy style that offers plum, cherry, iron and cigar box flavors, with plenty of power. Broad in profile, ends with savory elements of forest floor and wild herbs." 06/21

95 Points, Raffaele Vecchione, International Wine Report: "Classic and rich in style, it shows its essence in the scents of cherries, red plums, white almonds, lime and acacia. Feminine and captivating, it shows a precise and pure profile that immediately strikes the consumer. Medium to full body, velvety tannins that constitute the main backbone of the matrix and a final pure expression of national beauty. In love right away, will get better over time Better from 2022." 1/21

95+ points, Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes: “An estate dating back to the early nineteenth century, now run by Filippo Fanti, capable of investing firmly in brand production. The result, among others, is this striking Brunello that is both savoury and intense with wonderful persistence. Spiciness on the nose: sweet violet, raspberry, a hint of pepper leaf. The mouth discovers its sapidity and tautness.” 10/20