2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscana, Italy

2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscana, Italy

$99.95

Description

Another one of our top picks for this soon-to-be legendary 2016 vintage.  And for those of you who prefer a more fuller-bodied, more deeply colored, dense and concentrated style of Brunello, this will check off all the boxes, especially this stunning 2016 release which across the board has tremendously consistent ratings of 97 points from James Suckling.com,  96 points from Wine Advocate, 95 points from Wine Spectator.

I must tell you I have had my eyes focused on 2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino since I had the opportunity to sample and discuss with the family and winemaker Andrea Cortonesi last year at the Consorzio tasting in Montalcino.  It was one of the wines that convinced me the 2016 vintage was going to be at least as great as the incredible 2015s.

Those of you who are students of the region might remember that in 1986 Andrea Cortonesi jumped at the opportunity to purchase an old farmhouse on a few hectares of land previously a part of the highly acclaimed Ciacci Piccolumini estate in the small commune of Castelnuovo dell’ Abate about 6 miles southeast of Montalcino.  Cortonesi’s legion of followers are well aware the Uccelliera vineyard now extends adjacent to Ciacci Piccolomini’s famous and very coveted Pianrosso vineyard.  The south by southeastern exposures, mineral rich and diverse soils, and an elevation of 500 to 1150 feet above sea level, which enables the perfect diurnal range for ideal ripening, make this area one of the most exciting sub-regions of the DOCG.

“This is really beautiful with complex black cherry, berry, walnut and dark chocolate. Some mushroom and smoke. It’s tight and reserved with polished tannins and wonderful balance and finesse. Persistent and intense. Drink after 2025. – 97 points”.  JamesSuckling.com, October 30, 2020

The Uccelliera 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to dark fruit and wild cherry with warmer tones of cured tobacco, spice and potting soil. It shows the extra density, darkness and richness that comes so beautifully to fruit grown on the sun-drenched southern side of Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the southern half of the appellation. What Uccelliera delivers so carefully, vintage after vintage, is a truly exceptional sense of mouthfeel with textural richness and lingering creaminess. It is also one of the wines that consistently shows a sense of place. This is a touchstone estate for this specific Montalcino microclimate. – 2024-2045 – 96 points”, Parker’s Wine Advocate, November 30, 2020 (ML)

“Burly tannins put a grip on the black cherry, black currant, plum, earth and tobacco flavors in this dense version, yet it’s also vibrant, building to a lingering finish. All the components are in the right place, so this should come together nicely over time. Best from 2024 through 2045. 2,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.” 95 points, Wine Spectator – Insider Issue: Mar 3, 2021 Release Price $82 (BS)