Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 2016

97 points Jane Anson: "A great year for Brunello and this is like a breath of fresh air, transporting you to Tuscany. Emphasis on dried herbs, leather, campfire smoke with traces of sweet cherry, butterscotch and coffee bean. Love the soft and gentle waves of flavour that gather power through the palate; tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, and this is pretty irresistible. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400 metres above sea level, still setting the pace. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2022-2036. (7/23/21)"

97 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Despite the difficulties of the vintage 2016 is hailed as an excellent year in Brunello. This has coffee, dried herbs, cherry, dark chocolate and balsamic notes on the nose. Round and supple on the palate, the fruit is chewy and mouthwatering filling the palate making you suck in your cheeks. Tannins gently grip and hold through to the long finish. Such brightness with acidity and depth. A great food wine and an excellent time to drink although it will age well. Elegant, well structured and moreish. Drinking Window: 2021-2035. (Jul 2021)"

97 points Luca Gardini: "Great version of Brunello from a winery of historical importance. On the nose, crunchy fruit, blackberry and plum jam. A touch of orange peel in the closing. In the palate, perception of iodized tannins. A final fruity taste returning with an excellent persistence."

95 points Falstaff: "Dark ruby red. Shows noble savouriness on the nose with dark leather and rich, ripe berry fruit, blackberries, wild berries, noble wood on the finish. Taut and full on the palate , stretches elegantly over the tongue, clear fruit core, with great length and many layers. (3/19/21)"

95 points James Suckling: "Black-cherry and blackberry aromas with minerals and fresh flowers, following through to a full body with firm, silky tannins that are polished and intense. Lovely finesse and length. Drink after 2023. (11/11/20)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$71 list] Eucalyptus, blue flower, baked plum and spice aromas shape the nose in this fragrant red. Full bodied and chewy, the savory palate delivers ripe black cherry, vanilla, licorice and espresso alongside tightly knit, velvety tannins. Drink: 2023–2031. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2021)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$71 list] The Frescobaldi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo shows dark fruit, plum and spice. The wine offers good density and richness, but the aromatic intensity is downplayed compared to some of its peers from this classic vintage. Other than that, all the wine's elements are in the right place with cherry, wild plum, rose and tilled earth. Drink: 2023-2038. (Nov 2020)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Starts out with macerated plum and cherry fruit, shaded by tobacco, iron and earth flavors. Dense, dusty tannins put the grip on the finish, yet this is also vibrant and finds a nice equilibrium in the end, with the fruit returning. Best from 2024 through 2042. (6/30/21)"

93 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Sour cherries, spiced orange and dusty dried flowers open in the glass, as the 2016 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino slowly blossoms. The textures are creamy, contrasted by cooling minerality and juicy acids, as tart red berries saturate under an air of sweet herbs and inner florals. This finishes dry yet long, with chewy tannins and remnants of crunchy red fruit. The 2016 Castelgiocondo needs some time to come together, yet it has all of the balance necessary to mature into a real beauty. Drink: 2026-2038. (Nov 2020)"