Franco Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2016

94 points James Suckling: "Flowers, such as rose petals, tile and stone with some cedar and ash, all complementing the cherry character. It’s full-bodied and chewy with a tight, solid palate and finish. A little chewy now, but it will soften nicely with bottle age. Try after 2023. (11/6/20)"

93 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is fresh with rose petal, raspberry leather, cedar, and dusty earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with dried cherry, tomato leaf, and clove, fine tannins, crisp acidity, and a stony mouthfeel. It was aged for 40 months in large Slavonian and French oak. Drink 2024-2036.The Franco Pacenti estate is in the historic Canalicchio area in the northeast foothills of Montalcino. Drink: 2024-2036. (3/4/21)"

93 points Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "[$70 list] Juicy and delicious, this opens with inviting aromas of fragrant purple flower, ripe wild berry, underbrush and a whiff of camphor. On the savory palate, notes of licorice, blood orange and coffee bean accent a core of morello cherry. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2024–2029. Alcohol 14%. (Oct 2022)"

92 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "The Franco Pacenti estate is firmly in the hands of the third generation with 30-something siblings Lisa, Serena and Lorenzo. Their focus seems to be on restyling the brand rather than changing the approach to winemaking. Nevertheless, the 2016 initially comes across as more marked by wood than usual. Toast and vanilla are offset by sweet moist earth, truffle and plum. The palate is graceful despite its richness and elevated by sappy acidity. Fennel and coffee infuse the finish. Drink: 2024-2038. (3/22/21)"