($54): Tenute Silvio Nardi has vineyards in the northwest and southeast section of the Brunello di Montalcino zone.  In addition to their two outstanding single-vineyard wines, Poggio Doria and Manachiara, that they produce from those respective zones, they blend grapes to this fine, easy-to-recommend Brunello.  The weather and soil between those two zones varies considerably with grapes from the northwest being harvested up to two weeks later because of the cooler climate.  Hence the grapes from the northwest zone bring a tight, elegant austerity to the wine while those from the southeast add a complimentary richness. The result is this stunning conventionally framed Brunello, which given the stature of the vintage and the justifiable enthusiasm for it, is actually well priced.  The wine conveys the black fruitiness and dark minerality that epitomizes Brunello.  Its elegance persists into the finish and is not overshadowed by oakiness or over ripe flavors.  Sturdy, as young Brunello should be, it has a gracefulness and balance that suggests it will develop nicely over the next decade.  Consumers who want to introduce themselves to the glory of Brunello should start here.
92 Michael Apstein Feb 23, 2016