It was just around this time that the 2016 Rosso di Montalcinos began to arrive, giving us a peek into what producers were calling a perfect vintage. The wines were dark and effusive in how they excited the senses, full of energy yet also dense in their fruit profiles, and with structure that was unexpected from the Rosso category… since that time, we have all been waiting for 2016 Brunello di Montalcino. But now the big question is: Do the 2016s live up to our expectations? Oh, yes; they certainly do... - Eric Guido, www.vinous.com
ABOUT BARICCI
Located in the cooler northern zone of Montalcino, the tiny estate consists of 5 ha of old vine Sangiovese Grosso planted in the dark and rocky soils of schist, quartz, limestone and gravel on the little Montosoli hill, the first legally recognised cru of Montalcino. Baricci released their first commercial Brunello di Montalcino in 1971 and their first Rosso di Montalcino in 1968. The Montosoli cru is one of the most highly prized vineyards in all of Montalcino as the 280 metre elevation, south-east aspect and northerly position give the vines a cooler more balanced growing season resulting in wines of perfume, finesse and freshness.
All of the work in the vineyard is strictly organic, biodynamic preparations are utilsed, fava beans and chamomile planted in between rows for nitrogen fixing and erosion prevention and lunar cycles are followed for all pruning and harvesting. Three passes through the vineyard in summer gives the season the best fruit which is then hand harvested and sorted before it reaches the winery. The fermentation takes place in cool stainless steel with fermentation lasting about 20 days, the wine is then transferred to 20-40 hectolitre Slavonian oak where it rests for 3 years then bottled. The wine then spends 8 months in bottle before release.
THE WINE
2016 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino - $128 per bottle ; RRP $145
"The 2016 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino is an experience to behold. The bouquet mixes dark earth tones, crushed stone and animal musk with sweet black cherries and balsamic spice. It’s soft and enveloping, seeming to coat all that it touches in ripe primary fruits, just as a mix of brisk acids and salty minerals penetrate deeply, adding traction to this heady experience. Licorice, sweet herbs and a hint of cocoa resonate through the long and structured finale. With perfect symmetry, and so much upfront appeal, it’ll be hard to keep your hands off; but do yourself a favor, and lose these bottles in the cellar for at least the next five years.” - 95 Points, Eric Guido, www.vinous.com
If you have any questions, or if you wish to purchase any of the wines, please contact Brent Williamson on (07)32521117 or email brent@thewineemporium.com.au - Prices valid until stock runs out or Friday the 28th of May 2021.