2016 Casanuova delle Cerbaie - Brunello di Montalcino (750ml)

95 Points — James Suckling. One of Montalcino's most exciting traditional producers — in one of its greatest modern vintages.

Purchased in 2008 by an American devotee of traditional Brunello, Casanuova delle Cerbaie has been meticulously farmed ever since — sustainable agriculture, 100% hand harvesting, and long aging in large Slavonian oak botti, followed by several more years of bottle rest before release. Old-school Brunello made without compromise.

The fruit for this bottling draws from two historic estate vineyards in northern Montalcino — including a portion of the famed Montosoli hill — planted on calcareous, marl, and argillaceous soils from the Eocene period at 250–300 meters elevation.

Ashen earth and smoke give way to black cherries, incense, and exotic spice as the 2016 blossoms in the glass, flooding the palate with rich, velvety textures and a dense display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, offset by vibrant acidity and bright citrus. Its tannic structure builds only through the finish — a reminder that this elegant wine still has decades ahead of it.

Fresh and floral, gaining speed through the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040. Decant generously — or better yet, lay it down for another five years and be rewarded handsomely.