2016 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino

2016 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino

96 points Wine Enthusiast, 95 points Wine Advocate, 95 points Wine Spectator

To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.

It’s about time Caprili gets the respect they deserve. Founded in 1965, Caprili is one of Montalcino’s oldest estates. At that time, there were less than 20 estates in the region. Today, there are 200! This traditional producer is located in the warmer, southwestern section of Montalcino and their wines represent the essence of Sangiovese and the essence of old-school Brunello di Montalcino.

While I have proudly stocked their wines for over 10 years now, they have largely remained under the radar. I suspect I will be stocking their wines 10 years from now because the estate is now managed by Giacomo Bartolommei, and he’s just in his 20’s. Yep, this estate is going to be making brilliant wines for years to come, and I will continue to be one of their biggest fans. But I guarantee you their wines won’t remain under the radar much longer.

100% Sangiovese Grosso, the unique clone of Sangiovese that reaches its pinnacle of quality in the Montalcino, this is one of the finest young Brunellos I’ve ever met. From organically tended vines at 1,000 to 1,200 feet in elevation, this is approachable without being too harsh or rustic. Aged for three years in large format oak casks and another year in bottle before release, here is a wine that reminds me why I do what I do. The nose is incredible — I pick up notes of dusty cherry, dried raspberry, leather, spice box and mineral. And the palate is amazing as well — it’s full bodied without being heavy, and though it has structure and cut, it’s not at all harsh or rustic.

Will it age? Certainly and I’m putting 6 bottles in my wine locker for enjoyment down the road, but I’m also keeping 6 nearby to enjoy over the next couple of years. I don’t like aging my wines too long, but I suspect this will improve and deliver its most righteous virtues in 5 to 10 years. If you don’t like to wait, don’t. But if you have the luxury of patience and the budget to buy more than a few bottle, exercise that option.

Most of you all trust me, but I understand if you need more validation. Here you go. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Vinous Media loved the current release.

Vinous Media – Ian d’Agata: “An initial burst of medicinal red fruits and exotic spice evolves into a more refined expression of dusty roses, cedar and wild strawberries, as the 2016 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino unfolds in the glass. The textures are silky in feel, contrasted by an intense wave of tart berries and salty minerals, all carried across a core of zesty acids. This shows the radiance of the 2016 vintage, along with rounded tannins which add poise without ever robbing the expression of its vibrancy, culminating in a totally classic and fully satisfying finale. Drink 2023 – 2034.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Monica Larner: “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino makes a great first impression thanks to the purity and intensity of the fruit. Those two things-purity and intensity-can sometimes be uncomfortable bedfellows, but this expression from Caprili unites them in happy marriage. The bouquet opens to bright red fruit, cola, chopped mint and blue flower. There is a lot of beautiful energy on hand. The wine is smooth and silky, giving it both near and long-term appeal. This is a 45,000-bottle release. Drink 2024-2040.”

Sounds good right? Trust me, it is, and you can enjoy this one now or in 2040 (if stored properly of course). Structured but accessible and complex Brunello(s) like this love slow braised stews and grilled meats, but this one is also incredibly contemplative and lends itself to “fireside sipping.” Cheers to happy drinking, cheers to the 2016 Tuscan vintage, and cheers to you! 

To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.

Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville