2016 Brunello di Montalcino

The 2016 Luciani Brunello di Montalcino keeps you at the edge of the glass through a gorgeously perfumed display of lavender and violets with subtle hints of cherries, plums and smoky minerals. It’s silky upon entry, ushering in notes of blackberry, contrasted by sour citrus with herbal spiced tea and hints of licorice. The tannins here are refined and soft; yet they also provide a classically dry expression, as the 2016 Luciani tapers off to notes of dark chocolate and inner purple florals. Is this Montalcino or Rhône? Either way, it’s a beautiful wine that just needs a few years of cellaring to show its best.