Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro Riserva 2016 (750ML)

99 JS / 98 WS / 98 FS / 97+ WA / 95 KO / 17 JR

Glorious aromas of flowers, nutmeg, dark berries, earth and black cherries follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins that are long and extremely polished. They go on for minutes. Reserved and shy still, due to its excellence. Give this four or five years to come around. Try after 2024.—James Suckling

Both fluid and concentrated at once, this exudes cherry, black currant, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Saturated with ripe fruit, this has beautifully integrated acidity and tannins, with a racy profile that drives the superlong finish. The tannins flex their muscles at the end yet remain refined. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy.—B.S., Wine Spectator

Bright, rich garnet red. Very clear and intense nose, full of ripe raspberry, preserved cherry and some liquorice in the background. Lots of ripe fruit on the palate, shows grippy tannins, firm drive on the finish, long aftertaste of plum. - Falstaff

The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is gorgeous, full stop. It shows an incredible level of Sangiovese purity and sharpness, and you taste the grape as if you were eating berries straight out of the vineyard. On top of that healthy and bright primary material, the wine layers on elegant aromas of spice, ferrous earth, balsam herb and red rose potpourri. The aromas meet with seamless integration and segue to ongoing depth and complexity offered to the palate. This Riserva is rather delicate in terms of mouthfeel; however, it is powerful and long, with high alcohol, polished tannins and a silky texture. A hint of sweet cherry mixed with menthol freshness pulls it together at the end.—Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Underbrush, scorched earth, camphor and pipe tobacco aromas shape the nose. Full-bodied and densely concentrated, the firm, muscular palate features dried cherry, licorice and marinated prune framed in tighty woven, close-grained tannins. You’ll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink 2026–2031.-Kerin O'Keefe

Maturing mid ruby. Lifted, balsamic nose with a peppery tingle and hinting at great richness. A suggestion of gingerbread. Bags of sweet fruit and crunchy tannins on the palate. Quite a bold wine right now, and deserving more time.-Walter Speller, JancisRobinson