Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2016

95 points 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 this national beauty. Lovely now, it will develop further over time. Better from 2022."

95 points James Suckling: "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. (11/11/20)"

94 points Monica Larner (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. Drink: 2023-2040. (Nov 2020)"