2016 Brunello di Montalcino

This is the second year that we are treated to the Vigna Montosoli from Valdicava, a cru wine that is only available in magnum and with only 1500 bottles produced. From a farming and winemaking perspective, this is treated and refined the same as the house Brunello, but from a small parcel on the Montosoli hill which Vincenzo Abbruzzese acquired in 2009. What’s interesting is that Bramante Abbruzzese (Vincenzo's grandfather) had owned the entire hillside through the 1970s, but the family sold it prior to the current generation’s management (so maybe this was an attempt to recapture old glories?). In years past this fruit was added to the Rosso, and later the Brunello, until it was decided in 2015 to be worthy of its own bottling. As for the house Brunello in 2016, it’s gorgeous, showing a wonderful combination of power, purity and structure. It has the stamp of primary fruit and intensity that Valdacava collectors adore, yet it is wonderfully balanced.