The 2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino flirts with perfection.
The estate's signature traits of richness, ripeness, and elegance are on full display in their 2016 Brunello. I think a strong case could be made that this is the finest wine Andrea Cortonesi has ever made. Supplies are incredibly limited.
2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino
97 points James Suckling, 96+ points Vinous Media, 95 points Wine Spectator, 95 points Jeb Dunnuck
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
I have been pounding home the fact that Vintage 2016 will go down as one of the greats in Tuscany. Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media said, "I frankly cannot remember the last time I tasted young wines from Montalcino that possessed such symmetry from start to finish." His sentiments were echoed by other wine critics, writers, and producers. Trust me folks, this is a vintage to invest in.
Andrea Cortonesi was the former cellar master at Ciacci Piccolomini, and the Uccelliera estate was once part of Ciacci's holdings. In 1986, Andrea ventured out on his own and purchased vineyards from his friends and former employee. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Uccelliera's wines enjoy a cult following amongst the cognoscenti. With vineyards in the southeastern part of the appellation, the soil here is loose and rocky. When you combine that with warmer microclimate found here, it makes sense that Uccelliera's wines are rich and ripe, vintage after vintage.
Everyone and their brother rated this 95+ points, but I think Vinous Media described it best.
"At first, it’s dark, earthy and herbal; yet with time in the glass, a massive wave of black cherry, raspberry, sage and a grounding note of undergrowth comes forward. In the mouth, it coats all that it touches in silky, cool-toned textures, giving way to ripe red/black fruits complemented by spiced citrus, as nuances of lavender and tobacco form. While this feels round and pliant throughout, fine-grain tannins slowly saturate, sneaking up and reminding you of just how young the 2016 really is today. Drink 2026 - 2040."
Sounds good doesn't it? Believe me, it is, but I've only got 36 bottles up for grabs. If you manage to get some and want to test it out before 2026, just make sure to decant this one for 2+ hours.
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville