VALDICAVA 2016 “MADONNA DEL PIANO” RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

Our top Italian wine of the year is the flagship Brunello from the well-loved Valdicava winery in a lauded vintage. It’s easy to declare this a collectible wine. This riserva is a selection of top vines from the Madonna del Piano vineyard, and aged an extra year before release. With a prime site in the Montosoli area north of Montalcino proper, the family originally sold their fruit to wineries of the area, including the legendary Biondi-Santi. Bottling under their own label since 1977, the family winery reached its current style and quality level under the guidance of 3rd generation owner, Vincenzo Abbruzzese. While this will evolve for decades, a long decant and a flavor-rich meal centered around slow braised meat in an herbal tomato sauce will make it really sing!

JAMES SUCKLING 99 POINTS – “This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure…”

WINE SPECTATOR 98 POINTS – “Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish. Best from 2025 through 2045.”