SOLD OUT! Why do we have 4 cases of this wine left? Good question, considering Caparzo made one of the top value AND top scoring Brunellos of the highly acclaimed 2016 vintage.
I had a bottle last night, and I 100% agree with Wine Spectator's 96 point score on this wine. This is a classic Brunello and mark my words, future vintages of this wine will never be less than $50. Like I said, I've got 4 cases in the house, but I need the space. Thus, I'm dealing deep on this one.
2016 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino
96 points Wine Spectator
SOLD OUT
Of the nearly 100 Brunellos that Wine Spectator reviewed from the 2016 vintage, Caparzo's version was the only one to score 95+ points and retail for less than $55. It out-scored some serious heavyweights including Valdicava, Argiano, and Casanova di Neri, just to name a few. Needless to say, this is a ton of Sangiovese Grosso for the money.
"Ripe, sweet cherry and raspberry fruit are accented by floral, mineral and wild herbs in this alluring red. A backbone of dense, dusty tannins provides support, and the ripe fruit returns on the savory finish. Excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2043." - Wine Spectator
Caparzo was founded towards the end of the 1960's, when the wines of Montalcino began to gain notice from wine lovers and critics. In 1980, when Italy began to classify its wine regions, Brunello di Montalcino was one of the first to gain Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status, the highest designation in the hierarchy.
In 1998, the estate was purchased by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. With the help of her son Igino and daughter Alessandria, the family helped propel this historic estate to new heights. Their objective from day one was to combine tradition with innovation to create high quality wines that expressed the unique terroir of the region. I'd say they've succeeded....and then some!
I've enjoyed every vintage of this wine back to 2001, but I can say with full conviction that this is the best wine Caparzo has ever produced. What I love about Caparzo's Brunello is its elegance and purity. Despite its power and intensity, this is never the darkest nor the fullest-bodied Brunello. It is a wine that showcases brilliant aromas of wild berries, smoky herbs, eucalyptus, leather, and minerals. It will definitely age and improve for 15 to 20 years, but it offers immediate gratification as well.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville