Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

The Riserva is the flagship of Biondi-Santi, the estate that created Brunello di Montalcino, made only in the strongest vintages from 100 percent Sangiovese on the oldest vineyards in southern Tuscany. The fruit comes from galestro and clay soils whose stony, mineral structure yields small, concentrated berries with firm tannin and high acidity, the building blocks of a wine designed to age for decades. Montalcino's warm days and cool nights, combined with low yields from old vines, give depth and aromatic detail. The Riserva is aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks, where extended, slow oxygen exchange resolves the powerful tannins and develops tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco and dried flowers while leaving the Sangiovese fruit intact. The colour is deep ruby with garnet. The nose is layered, with black cherry, dried violet, leather, liquorice and earth. The palate is full bodied and tightly structured, with fine, persistent tannin, vivid acidity and a long, savoury finish. This is a wine for long cellaring and special occasions. Decant well ahead and serve at 18 degrees with roast beef, game and aged cheese.