Tasting Notes
Vinous 99+
The magic of the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna della Grazie is firmly on display as it slowly opens like a cedar spice box of treasures, with incense, cloves, dried herbs, cherries and mint. It’s velvety-smooth, lifted by vibrant acidity, with a potent wave of ripe wild berry fruits energized by tantalizing acidity. The 2016 holds its power in reserve, currently kept in check by a wall of dusty tannins and a bitter tinge of sour cherry. What a darling. Bury your bottles deep. This is pure magic. The 2016 is flirting with perfection and may one day deserve a 100-point score.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2042
Wine Advocate 100
There it is: that Il Marroneto magic. To my palate, Alessandro Mori’s 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie best captures the soaring spirit and ambition of Brunello, made in its purest and most naked form. This vintage is a twin sibling to the 2010 that I awarded a perfect score. Whereas that wine surprised me, appearing with so much unexpected radiance and brilliance, this wine won me over in a more careful, less emotional and more contemplative manner. Having now tasted the 2010 vintage multiple times, I better know what to expect in terms of the near-term aging evolution of the 2016. I know that the laser-sharp purity of the fruit will soften, leading to more nuanced and finessed tones of underbrush, lilac, iron ore and candied orange peel over the next five years. This wine unfolds to show deep complexity up front with buoyant and jovial red fruit at its core. It vibrates with electric energy and charm.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2050
