Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Located on the north side of Montalcino, Le Chiuse’s vineyards were once the source of Biondi-Santi’s riserva bottling. Fiorella Biondi Santi leased the vineyards to her brother, Franco, until her death in 1986; Simonetta Valiani, Fiorella’s daughter, and her husband, Nicolò 
Magnelli, began making wine in 1992. Their winemaker son Lorenzo joined them in 2006. Vine age determines the grapes for the Le Chiuse Rosso, Brunello and Brunello Riserva wines, along with the cluster size; smaller clusters are more concentrated and higher in acidity. Fermentation and maceration for this 2016 was 23 days with ambient yeasts, and the young wine aged in 2,000- to 3,000-liter casks for 38 months. This was one of the top-rated Brunellos of the vintage for its red fruit flavors, finesse and harmony.

Tasting Note

Pretty strawberry, currant and cherry flavors take center stage in this taut and linear red, flanked by floral, mineral and tobacco notes, with fine balance and intensity on a slim frame. This is ample, yet the refined tannins provide structure. Best from 2024 through 2048. 1,000 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson