99 point

Spicy and with a dark nature alternating notes of black prunes, quinine, liquorice, black tea leaves and juniper berries. In the background bergamot and blood orange dominate the secondary scene. Full bodied, perfectly matured, polymerized tannins well fused in the matrix and a solid, compact finale, thrilling in every sip. A masterpiece of Italian enology in a year that should be framed in Montalcino. Only 4000 bottles produced. Better from 2022.

98 point

Archetypal sangiovese with cherry and floral aromas as well as sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Tight and extremely structured yet there’s an impressive finesse and craftsmanship here. Fine velvety texture. Give it three to four years. Try after 2024.

97 point

97P+: The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is brooding and powerful, wafting up with a darkly floral mix of sweet mint, smoke and animal musk before a core of black cherry emerges. The textures are like pure, elegant silk, slowly draped across the palate, delivering an array of opulent black and red fruits contrasted by zesty citrus tones and spice. The sheer density here is amazing, but even more impressive is that the 2016 stays in perfect balance from start to finish, tapering off long, structured and classically dry. The Pertimali Riserva is created through a selection in the vineyard, and it spends 48 months refining in oak casks. There will be no Riserva created in 2017 or 2018.

97 point

Enticing and harmonious, this red is saturated with blackberry, black currant, violet and mineral flavors. Intense and focused, even racy rather than concentrated and powerful, with a solid structure and lingering aftertaste. Terrific length. Best from 2025 through 2045.

95 point

The Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals thick textural fiber and determined power. A core of dark fruit and black cherry is framed by spice, toast, pressed rose and earthy garden soil. It moves over the palate with a creamy, full-bodied approach. With 5,000 bottles made, this Riserva ages in Slavonian oak casks for a generous 48 months. That prolonged aging could have dried out the tannins, but this wine skirts past that problem.