CANTINE BONACHI, CASALINO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2016
2016 was a banner year for Brunello. Wine Enthusiast deemed it a "Brunello lover's dream" of a vintage ("even better than the highly acclaimed 2010s and ... in line with classic vintages like 2004 and 2001"), full of "vibrant, structured wines with elegance, energy, and longevity."
That's a pretty succinct summation of this release from Casalino, which also offers up power, richness, and a long, dry finish.
As you know, it's not often you turn up a Brunello of worth that doesn't cost you, but we're able to bring this 96-point gem of the vintage to you for a best price of less than $34 a bottle!
Bonacchi, the producer, has been making wine in Tuscany since the late 1800s, but the winery only truly became a player a century later. In 1999, the family acquired Casalino Estates, a 60-acre vineyard in the heart of the Chianti Classico. Two years later, the family acquired a parcel of land in Montalcino, Molino della Suga, a 25 acre plot that lies between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.
Today the winery is overseen by Andrea Bonacchi, a fourth-generation winemaker, and his commitment to Sangiovese, and especially Brunello, is unswerving.
This 2016 may be the finest his estate has produced.
A Brunello di Montalcino must be aged a minimum of four years, including two in barrel, before it can be released. Not only does this provide the wine with a head-start on maturation, it creates more intensity and concentration (sometimes, even, to the point of chewiness). The beauty of this one is that its density and size is only a starting point, never obscuring its vibrance, freshness, and structure.
Brunellos must also be 100% Sangiovese, unlike Chiantis, which are allowed to incorporate up to 10% of other grapes. That strict insistence is a turn-off to some, who miss the softening that often occurs with blending, but the best Brunellos — and we see it in full effect here — have a clarity and purity that is its own reward.
James Suckling swooned over it, awarding 96 points and calling it "dense," "layered," "full-bodied and chewy," with "gorgeous fruit and intensity. A very structured and powerful red. Fantastic from this producer."
Don't miss your chance to stock up on one of the best values from Tuscany in the marketplace right now!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, MN, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, March 17, 2022.