Nearly one year ago we brought you the fantastic 2015 vintage. Like this one, we had but a few cases.

It sold out.

Now, a year later, here’s your chance to score the next one. Just as groovy, with another 95 point score, and this time from the 2016 vintage (one for the history books, btw). It’s hitting all the same heady notes.

But unlike last year’s which cost $45, we finessed this down to a rock bottom $40. Inflation begone!!

Serious Brunello lovers know of Casanova di Neri’s Giacomo Neri, winner of Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, and countless huge scores. We had those wines up here not too long ago. This one comes from Giovanna Neri, his sister, who left to start her own project. And she’s proven a serious contender.

Giovanna collaborates with top consultant Maurizio Castelli (La Ragnaie, Mastrojanni, Grattamacco, etc.) and Vinous adds she “farms 9 hectares of vines surrounding the winery in the cool northeast section of Montalcino. For years now, Col di Lamo has been on the rise, using all organic methods in the vineyards and a natural approach in the cellar, employing spontaneous fermentations, long macerations and refinement in a mix of large Slavonian and French casks… I found the 2016 to be quite fruit-forward yet incredibly pure, with a structure that might outpace its fruit over time… I continue to eagerly watch Col di Lamo because I believe the potential here has yet to be fully realized.”

Yes, it’s “chewy” as James’ review notes. It’s a rustic and traditional styled Brunello, boasting sensuality and brawny strength. But it still has a core of dusty red fruit to build upon. There are floral cherries too, forest floor, and cloves alongside crushed rose petals and a twist of orange peel in there. The finale adds firm tannins and layers of spice cake, black tea, along with a savory, mineral edge.

Pop one open when it hits your doorstep (you got six bottles, right?) bust out your favorite ragù, or whip up some Pasta alla Norma - yea it may be from Puglia but we think it’ll hit with this Tuscan. Crank the “Italian dinner” playlist on Spotify, drink a few glasses, and revel in your excellence.

A total classic, and one to last another decade, easy. If you can get some before it’s gone…

95 Points – James Suckling

“A complex nose of dried mushrooms, crushed shells and bark. Hints of dried rosemary and thyme give this mouth-watering savoriness. Juicy dark berries and mushrooms on the palate. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Chewy.”