2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

The zesty 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini leaps from the glass with its wild bouquet of spiced citrus peels, shavings of pine, mint leaf and currants. It coasts along the palate with silky yet youthfully dense dark red berries and licorice tones, while leaving a coating of salty minerals and fine tannins in their wake; yet through it all, a core of juicy acidity maintains fabulous balance and energy. A pretty inner sweetness lingers, contrasted by a sour twang of citrus and tart cranberry fruits, as the 2016 tapers off structured, long and unexpectedly fresh. A number of years in the cellar will be required to soften the blow, but Gemini will be worth waiting for.