2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto

Just mid ruby. Brooding yet subdued nose. Very closed yet beautifully stitched-together palate of tangy red fruit and clayey tannins. Great focus, freshness and length. (WS)

Vigna Loreta is a small single vineyard, and the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Loreto has aromas that are forward with menthol, sweet chewing tobacco, and saddle leather. It is full-bodied, with notes of red plum, vanilla, and licorice, firm, youthful tannins, and a broad, long finish. Luxurious and youthful with tension, hold for 3-5 years and enjoy 2024-2036. Mastrojanni is in the southeast of Montalcino. Since 2008, they have been operated by Gruppo Illy, who have contributed significant investment in the vineyard and winery. They have 110 hectares, 40 of them dedicated to vineyard.

The Vigna Loreto, located on the slope in front of the Mastrojanni winery, is the estate's showpiece vineyard, not only because it is positioned in full view of incoming visitors but also because of its ideal southeast-facing exposures. It is 1.58 hectares in size and has pebbles and tufo. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto (with 8,000 bottles produced) is awash in sunlight and Tuscan luminosity, resulting in a ripe and fruit-forward Brunello that never shies away in terms of richness or intensity. Indeed, the wine delivers a special level of power that transcends the bouquet and the palate, resulting in dark fruit, spice, leather, cured tobacco and rosemary essence. The tannins are firm but integrated and otherwise tucked into the ample flesh of the wine.