2016 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino

“This is a full-bodied red that opens with dried cherries, mushrooms and violets. Licorice notes too. Firm tannins and a minerally, tarry finish. Drink after 2024.” (10/2020)

“There is plenty of ripe black cherry, black currant and plum fruit buried within the muscular structure of this red. Balanced, vibrant and resonant, with a long earth- and mineral-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2047. (BS)” (06/2021)

“I’m finding a depth and richness in the 2016 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino that I haven’t witnessed from this bottling in previous vintages. The bouquet sets the stage with a mix of crushed black cherries, plums, incense and exotic brown spices. It’s silky, almost creamy in texture, finding balance through juicy acids, as purple-tinged red and black fruits flesh out, leaving tactile mineral tones under an inner air of lavender and violets. This maintains perfect poise in spite of a larger-scaled feel, tapering off to a coating of fine tannins with hints of black tea and dark chocolate. (EG)” (11/2020)

“Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s vineyards are located on the northwestern slopes of Montalcino. In 2016, grapes were harvested during the last week of September, fermented in cement with yeast selected from the property, and aged in small French oak barrels. Decidedly savoury, it leads with aromas of coffee, mocha, rust and chestnut. While its flavours suggest a readiness to drink, dusty compact tannins clamp down and could use a bit of time to relax their grip. Dried orange peel on the finish helps revive the wine. (MM)” (03/2021)

“Forest-floor, blue-flower and French oak aromas form the nose. The polished palate offers tart sour cherry, French oak and star anise alongside taut, fine-grained tannins that leave a firm, rather drying finish. (KO)” (05/2021)