2016 Tenuta Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Brunello is always a favorite, but 2016 is considered the region’s best vintage ever, and wine lovers and collectors are clamoring to fill their wine racks and cellars with these lauded Tuscan bottles. The longer the bottles from the 2016 vintage are on the market, the scarcer they’ll become. We all know scarcity drives up the price, so NOW is the time to secure the critically acclaimed 2016 Brunello di Montalcino.

When it comes to deciding whether or not to buy wines from the vintage, James Suckling makes the decision easy for you when he says, "If you ever wanted a Brunello for your cellar, buy the 2016 vintage." The critics are raving about this specific 2016 Brunello Riserva from Col d'Orcia, and it deserves your attention.

"One of our favorites in Montalcino is Col d’Orcia. Apart from making superb wines, the owner, count Francesco Marone Cinzano, is passionate about biodiversity and fighting climate change." ~Forbes

One of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is known for helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. Tradition, integrity, and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are celebrated all over the world. Proudly defined as an ‘organic island,’ Col d’Orcia is committed to maintaining the natural environment in which it operates and has, for many years, employed organic farming practices. 

The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” as its position lays in the undulating hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, the southern orientation provides vines with abundant exposure to sunshine. The vineyard soils are comprised of limestone and marl which facilitates natural irrigation. Located at about 1500 feet above sea level, the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata (5,700 feet) which helps shield the property from floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away.

The Cinzano family, renowned for their global spirits brand established in 1757, became the owners of Col d'Orcia in 1973. The Cinzanos, known for their expertise in vermouth and sparkling wines, used their extensive distribution network to introduce Col d'Orcia’s early vintages. Under the leadership of Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, the family expanded the vineyards, growing them from just a few hectares to 70 by the 1980s. This expansion continued under his son Francesco, reaching 140 hectares, with 108 dedicated to Brunello. Today, Col d'Orcia stands as Montalcino's third-largest Brunello estate, a testament to the Cinzano family's vision and legacy in both the spirits and wine industries.

The complexity of this Brunello di Montalcino  Riserva is derived from its aging period where it slowly absorbs the wood aromas and fragrances. This amazing Brunello is carefully cellared by the winery and released until it's ready, that's at least 5 years after harvest.

100% Sangiovese. On the nose, complex and fresh, with inviting fruit aromas balanced by oak-imparted spices. Well-structured and full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins that promise great aging capacity; long and impressive finish. An ideal companion to red meat entrées, hearty stews, and assorted cheeses.

Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold. ~98 James Suckling

Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution. Best from 2027 through 2045. 2,100 cases made, 300 cases imported. ~97 Wine Spectator

Classic to the core, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining in depth and nuance as dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then hints of cedar and spiced blood orange. It’s elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruits and silken textural waves contrasted by sour orange notes. A core of vibrant acidity maintains a wonderfully fresh persona. This finishes long and staining yet also youthfully structured. A coating of fine tannins grips the remnants of red currant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip while lamenting its impossibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity currently in reserve, but I hope to be there when the day finally comes. ~97 Vinous Media

The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general store in the Old West with cherry and licorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-forward, with notes of cherries and figs, with currents of coffee and sambuca mingling to create a subtle sense of edginess. Tannins and acid oversee affairs without intruding, like a good party host. ~96 Wine Enthusiast

Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Impressive nose with notes of plums, some cranberries, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, textured tannins on the palate, opens with plenty of drive, coated with ripe berries, hearty and profound, subtle earthy notes on the finish. ~96 Falstaff

A youthful, saturated bright red, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Al Vento has a sunny and introverted personality that draws you into its notes of kirsch, wild sweet herbs, sweet tobacco, leather, and cedar. Full-bodied, it has rich tannins, retains good freshness, and does not feel heavy. Rather light on its feet, it has a clean finish with notes of orange pith and a chalky texture. I would give this another year or two and drink over the following 10 years. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck

The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento (in a medium-heavy glass bottle) is quite beautiful, truth be told, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino history. The bouquet is distinguished by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut husk. The tannins are resolved, and the wine ends on a softly silky note. Some 25,600 bottles will hit the market in January 2024. ~95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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