La Colombina's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a dark and sultry appearance, followed by aromas of blackberry, plum and dark cherry. Those dark fruit flavors are not heavy, and instead they show the lightness and lifted aromatic intensity that comes so uniquely to the Sangiovese grape, especially in a classic vintage such as this. Spice, tar and campfire ash come up on the finish. This is a well-priced 11,000-bottle release for medium-term drinking.- ML

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is dark, rich and seductive from the first tilt of the glass. Here I find a mix of black cherry and crushed plums complemented by notes of cinnamon, clove and violet florals. This is silky yet savory, with a dense core of tart blackberry neatly wrapped in a web of salty minerals and fine tannins. In spite of its structure and weight, the 2016 from La Colombina maintains freshness and energy throughout, sometimes seeming more like food than wine through a sense of umami that starts on the palate and lingers throughout the long finish. -- Eric Guido

This is trim and angular, with a beam of cherry and raspberry fruit shaded by iron, sanguine and wild herb notes. The tannins are firm, while the finish echoes sweet, ripe fruit. Be patient. Best from 2024 through 2043. – BS