Brunello Di Montalcino Bassolino Di Sopra Docg 2016

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra is hauntingly dark, complex and powerful in the glass. Coaxing reveals a blend of incense and curries, then cinnamon and clove and, finally, dried strawberries and mint. This casts a dense textural wave of red and black fruits across the palate, laced with blood orange and sweet spice nuances; a brilliant acidity also lifts it. It’s only through the finish that the 2016 reveals its firm tannic core while vibrating with residual tension and finishing with a lingering salted licorice note. The Bassolino di Sopra is holding its power in reserve, and it comes across as deceptively delicate at this moment. That said, this is a masterpiece in the making. Only 1,080 bottles and 600 Magnums were produced.