Castiglion del Bosco - Brunello di Montalcino 2016
Price: $69.98
| Producer | Castiglion del Bosco |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Brunello di Montalcino |
| Varietal | Sangiovese Grosso |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 07132 |
Castiglion del Bosco Description
Our Brunello di Montalcino originates from Capanna vineyard, located in the north-west area of Montalcino. The peculiar characteristics of this vineyard, such as the natural isolation along with the altitude and the type of soil, which shows presence of clay shale and marl (Galestro rock), give to this prestigious wine a refined elegance as well as great personality.
The 2016 vintage: Both winter and spring were mild in 2016, contributing to early budding, and remarkable vegetation for the vines. Summer was cool and mild, therefore ripening process was slower and very balanced. This excellent vintage shows ripe tannins, rich colors, and very good acidity. Harvest started slightly earlier than usual, but it was completed in mid-October, which is typical in the best and most celebrated vintages of Montalcino. The ripeness of the grapes brought great balance, and we can expect rich wines with outstanding elegance.
The harvesting of grapes to make Brunello di Montalcino began on 19 September, earlier than previous years. The variety of soils and altitude of the vineyards enabled an excellent blending of the grapes vaunting different qualities.
Complexity, superb structure, and an inviting, mouth-filling palate are the hallmarks of this Sangiovese grown in the 42-hectare Capanna vineyard facing towards the Mediterranean sea. A garnet-flecked ruby red, it releases generous, emphatic fragrances classic to Sangiovese, developing a near-endless progression notable for its beautiful balance.
Castiglion del Bosco extends over 1,800 hectares, with 62 of them dedicated to vineyards. It is one of the most prominent producers in Montalcino, both for the history of the estate and for its size, unchanged in the last 400 years. Since 2003, Castiglion del Bosco has been owned by Massimo Ferragamo, Chairman of Salvatore Ferragamo USA, who fell in love with the estate, its splendidly isolated woods and with its majestic ridges.
The entire vinification process is carried out in Castiglion del Bosco’s cellar, completely gravity-fed. The grapes are quality-selected in the vineyards first, then the clusters travel to sorting tables where trained eyes make a further selection of the finest fruit. Fermentation starts with natural yeasts only, once completed, the wines are transferred to French oak in a spacious, climate-controlled cellar that is partially underground.
Castiglion del Bosco also offers a handful of remarkable accommodations and buildings in a unparalleled environment of Tuscan culture and natural beauty. Massimo Ferragamo restored the medieval borgo which now hosts a 5-star hotel beside the restaurants Campo del Drago and Osteria la Canonica. The latter is home to the Cooking School, for those guests who love great food matched with Tuscan culinary tradition. In addition, there is an exclusive Golf Club, spread out over 210 hectare of rolling hills, all designed by one of the most renowned figures in the golf world, British Open champion Tom Weiskopf
James Suckling: 99 Points
The complexity and beauty to this is really something with cherry, walnut, tobacco and cigar-box character. Sweet cherries. It’s full-bodied and deep with super intensity and power. Layered and beautiful. Really refined tannins. Some whole-berry fermentation gives this added character. Goes on for minutes.
Vinous Media: 95 Points
The 2016 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino really stands out with its vivid display of crushed raspberries, lavender and clove. Further depths are found with each swirl, adding mentholated herbs and flowery undergrowth. It’s dense and dark-fruited, enveloping the palate with notes of black cherry, plum, exotic savory spice and minerals. This is soothing and pliant in spite of the 2016’s youthful state, balancing brisk acids and fine tannins to create a push and pull of structural tension. The symmetry here is spellbinding, and everything is in the right place for a long and fruitful evolution over the next ten to fifteen years.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
A wild and unbridled version, as much about the woodsy pine, wild herb and iron flavors as the brooding black cherry and blueberry fruit. Long and resonant, with muscular tannins and lively acidity lending support.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The Castiglion del Bosco 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a fruit-forward expression with soft cherry, blackberry, tilled earth and a touch of sweet spice. This wine is made in an especially accessible style that prizes ripe fruit and oak aging (in both barrique and botte). Fruit comes from a 52-hectare vineyard with galestro schist and clay. The tannins are more evident here compared to the 2015 vintage; however, this wine is almost ready to go with beef tagliata topped with porcini mushrooms.
Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points
With an eye towards the Mediterranean Sea, Castiglion del Bosco’s Capanna vineyard is in the far northwest of Montalcino. The estate remarked that harvest started a little later than it did in 2015 and each plot was harvested at optimal maturity. There is a pristine and precise quality to this: focused aromas of woodland berries, spice and blossoms beg a sip. It expands sinuously across the palate, bringing in accents of orange zest and black tea as compact, powdery tannins build up. Satisfyingly racy.
