Wine For Normal People selection. What can we say that hasn’t been said about the 2016 vintage for Brunello? One of the greats, and if you haven’t experienced the glory, here’s a perfectly mindblowing introduction.

For $55, mind you. You could spend a little less, sure, and get a lot less wine. You could spend a lot more, and get a slightly better wine. But this deal offers up a sweet spot where price and quality rarely meet. Wine Enthusiast 97 points, with double 95s anchoring it.

Ciacci Piccolomini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. This ancient estate has 35 hectares of superior holdings in the prized Castelnuovo dell’Abate zone, and their entry-level offering serves up clear picture of what they’re capable of.

97 points Wine Enthusiast “Red-berry, wild-rose, crushed mint and dark-spice aromas are front and center on this fragrant red. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but also boasts finesse, offering layers of raspberry jam, smooth licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of enveloping, velvety tannins. You’ll also detect the warmth of alcohol but the succulent fruit stands up to it. *Cellar Selection (KO)”*

95 points James Suckling “Lots of red and blue fruit to this, evolving into wet leaves, freshly turned soil and brewed tea. Light herbal notes. Sweet cherries, too. It’s full bodied with silky, firm tannins. More minerality and tea notes on the finish. Elegant and driven.” (11/2020)

95 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino (with 56,000 bottles made) shows bold cherry, spice, crushed stone and balsam herb that come together in seamless fashion. This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I’d describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit. The wine is fueled by the golden light that hits this part of Tuscany in those last hours of the day. Here is a wine that shows spirit of place. (ML) 95+”