Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2016

95 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "[$58 list] Dusty earth gives way to dried roses, incense, hints of cedar, sage, currants and black cherries in a display that makes the 2016 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino a very special experience. It’s nuanced and perfumed from start to finish, boasting silky textures contrasted by tart berries and minerals, but with sweet tannins that frame the expression perfectly. Its inner sweetness is balanced by bright acids, creating an almost-juicy sensation, right up until the moment you realize that your palate is aching with youthful tension. There’s so much going on and much more to come, making me wonder what the Poggio al Vento might offer in the 2016 vintage. Drink: 2026-2038. (Nov 2020)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Col d’Orcia Brunello offers notes of pine resin, black cherry, and dried strawberry aromatics. The palate is concentrated and compact, with dried tomato leaf bitterness and tobacco. The structure is not shy, with a rich core of fruit, bold tannin upfront and just as much acidity to match. This is a bold wine for the 2016 vintage, packed with sun-kissed warmth. It commands time in the cellar, so drinking is recommended over 2026-2041. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a landmark wine in Montalcino, although it tends to be very vintage-sensitive, with some releases showing much better than others. In the case of the twofold 2015 and 2016 powerhouse vintages, I like both wines about the same. This cooler vintage shows dark fruit and spice, while there's an extra layer of leather or cigar ash at the back. This wine is made with organic fruit. It displays a mid-weight mouthfeel with tight tannins and lively acidity, the kind that will cut through your favorite steak dinner. Drink: 2023-2040. (Nov 2020)"

93 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "This starts off as its usual youthfully reductive self, but with plenty of air it displays appealing perfumes of iris, violet and plum. Midweight and elegant, it seems to defy the generous warmth of the estate’s southwestern site. Nevertheless, layers of dark fruit wrap around the tight, flinty core while dry, powdery tannins give ample support. The finish lingers with spice and garrigue. I suspect this will age slowly and handsomely. Drinking Window: 2024-2036. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Falstaff: "Nobly shining ruby red. On the nose fresh raspberries and fresh cherries, then slight mint and sage, paired with a noble savouriness echo. On the palate juicy and clear, opens on fresh fruit with supporting tannin, lively and polished, still young, drinks very well. Alcohol 14.5%. (3/19/21)"

93 points James Suckling: "A very polished, refined red with berry and flower aromas, as well as hints of citrus and rose petals. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely polish. From organically grown grapes. Give it a year or two to come around, but already very pretty. (11/11/20)"

93 points International Wine Report: "Slightly shy initially, it shows notes of black plums, camphor, sandalwood and incense. Full body, round tannins devoid of any hard edges, and a voluminous finish that broadens across the whole palate. Better from 2021."