Argiano : Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

The Argiano 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is rich and generous with lots of dark cherry, blackberry and plum. The wine presents an enhanced savory side with spice, Spanish cedar and a hint of smoked rosemary. This classic vintage is known for its balance, showing both elegance and power. This bottle from Argiano is a great example of precisely that. The finish is long and savory with smoke and earthy tones. A mere 1,290 bottles were produced, and sadly, the Riserva is not exported to the United States market.

Argiano’s winemaker, Bernardino Sani, waited until mid-October to harvest in 2016, benefiting from the slow ripening provided by the cool autumn nights. While the Riserva is dense and layered, freshness is preserved. Munificent aromas and flavours of sun-baked stone, Mediterranean herbs, dark red cherry and tobacco speak of the south. Suave tannins are seductively textured. Juicy on the mid-palate, it explodes with sweet spice and berries on the finish. The Riserva is a tiny vineyard selection of less than 2,000 bottles. It is aged in a combination of 1,000-litre and 600-litre barrels.

Don’t let the light color bother you. There’s linear tightness and reserve to this with an almost nebbiolo sensibility. It’s tannic and fine-grained with lots of intensity and power. Medium-bodied with muscular, well-formed tannin structure. Attractive fruit and a tight, reserved finish with chewiness. Cedar, mushroom and berry at the end. Try after 2024.

Luminous, bright garnet-red. A distinct nose of aged notes, dried plums, and tobacco. Pithy tannins that open up in layers characterise the palate, but overall it appears to be rather mature!

All about elegance and class, this lovely red entices with aromas of small forest berries, blue flowers, crushed mint and new leather. On the vibrant, delicious palate, taut, refined tannins seamlessly support juicy Marasca cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and a hint of mocha. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and precise. Drink 2024–2036.