Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Earthy aromas of underbrush, wild herb and rose mingle with woodland berry and toasted nut on this full-bodied red. Combining finesse, structure and concentration, the smooth palate doles out ripe morello cherry, licorice and bitter almond alongside a backbone of firm but refined tannins. Drink 2024-2036.

The 2016 Brunello's aromatics of strawberry candy, fresh cranberry and pomegranate are forward on the palate with savory and bitter herbs. It is structured, with grippy tannins and nervy acidity. Drink 2021-2031. Audrey Frick

The Mastrojanni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and velvety in appearance, boasting rich fruit concentration. The bouquet shows dried cherry, blackberry, spice, leather, tar and all the good things you get when Brunello lives a trouble-free childhood in the winery. I recall the 2015 vintage showing enhanced density and richness, and this wine unfolds in a very similar manner. Perhaps the difference between the two vintages is more clearly enunciated in terms of mouthfeel. This 2016 vintage gives the impression of being more linear, tight and structured. Elegant mineral tones define the long and polished finish of this 55,000-bottle release.

The core of cherry and plum flavors is framed by tar, earth and tobacco in this robust red, whose ripe fruit stands up easily to the foundation of drying, dusty tannins. Fruit, earth and iron accents converge on the finish. Put this away for a few years. Best from 2025 through 2048. 2,600 cases made, 590 cases imported.

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty and understated expression of the vintage, lifting up from the glass with a mix of wild strawberries, dusty florals, hints of leather strap and animal musk. It's soft, impressing on its purity of fruit, showing tart cherry with salty minerals and hints of savory spice. Fine tannins slowly dry the expression, yet this doesn't feel overly tannic or tiring. This is so elegant and refined, yet I'm not finding the energy that I usually associate with this wine.