Aromas of plums, dried flowers and black cherries follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins that are chewy, yet polished and savory. Flavorful and delicious. Goes on for minutes. Drink after 2024.

The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.

Aromas of forest floor, new leather, wild berry and warm spices lead the nose. Classically crafted and firmly structured, the palate features juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco supported by a backbone of youthfully assertive tannins. Fresh acidity provides plenty of tension. Drink 2026–2041.