Castiglion del Bosco Brunello Riserva Millecento

Montalcino, Italy

Vintage:2016 (Current)

2011 (Past) | 2015 (Past) |

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Castiglion del Bosco Brunello Riserva Millecento 2016
  • JS 97
  • WS 97
  • V 94
  • JR 17.5++

Reviews

Wine Spectator 97 Points, Hot Wines March 2022, Bruce Sanderson

“This red reveals both power and finesse, with intense aromas of truffle, black currant, violet and iron leading off, backed by saturated dark berry fruit, floral, leather and tobacco flavors. Big, muscular tannins grab hold of the finish, with ample fruit in reserve. Best from 2026 through 2045.”

JancisRobinson.com 17.5++ Points March 2022, Walter Speller

“Lustrous deep ruby with orange tinges. Deep cherry fruit nose with a hint of nutmeg. Sweet-sour embryonic cherry fruit. Very concentrated, intense and long and with fantastic balance.”

Vinous Media 94 Points December 1, 2021, Eric Guido

“The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento is dark and animalistic with musky black currants, mocha, rosemary and underbrush lifted by a hint of camphor. This is decidedly salty and mineral in character, offsetting its silky textures with tart wild berries tinged with sour citrus, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. Balsam herbs, cocoa and hints of licorice linger incredibly long over a coating of fine-grained tannins through the heroically structured finale. There’s already so much going on here, but with cellaring, I expect even more.”

JamesSuckling.com 97 Points October 8, 2021, James Suckling

“Blueberries and cherries with hints of cedar and spice, as well as plenty of mixed dried flowers, including violets. Some graphite and stone, too. Medium-to full-bodied with racy tannins and a long, long finish. It’s linear and complete, with lovely elegance and structure. Try after 2024.

Overview

Castiglion del Bosco is one of the most prominent producers in Montalcino, both for the history of the estate and for its size, with 5,000 acres unchanged in the last 400 years. In 1967, when the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino was born, Castiglion del Bosco was one of its 25 founding members. This extraordinary property whose origin dates back to the 12th century was acquired by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003, who in turn totally restored the property to its original glory.

Riserva Millecento is the highest expression of Sangiovese from the Capanna vineyard. First released with the 2004 vintage and produced only in exceptional growing years, this Brunello Riserva is the fruit of a meticulous selection of estate-grown grapes—the most classic expression of our Sangiovese. Elegance, character, and persistence make Millecento a wine for the ages. 

Elegance, character, and persistence are what make Millecento 2016 a wine for the ages. The barrel aging emphasized the characteristics of the vintage, enhancing the Sangiovese aromas, wonderful balance, and superb tannins. A great acidity supports the superb aging potential.

Winemaking

Brunello Riserva Millecento 2016 was harvested during the first week of October and spent 22 days with prolonged maceration in stainless steel tanks. The wine matured for 36 months in 30hl French oak barriques, followed by 6 months in cement tanks. The wine was then aged in bottle for months. The entire vinification process is carried out in Castiglion del Bosco’s cellar, completely gravity-fed.

Tasting Notes

The wine preserved the acidic crispness that keeps it very young—thanks to the pH level. At the same time, we can perceive its extraordinary longevity, thanks to a very long finish. Notes of soil and graphite are combined with delicate hints of violets and cedar. The mouthfeel is enhanced by a great balance and an incredible length of drinking.

Harvest Notes

Characterized by mild winter and spring with higher-than-average minimum temperatures. This led to a slight advance in budding and a beautiful vegetative expression of the vines. The summer was cool and mild, slowing down the ripening which continued slowly and very well. Ripe tannins, richness in color and good acidity have therefore characterized the Sangiovese of this excellent vintage. The harvest began slightly earlier and ended however around mid-October as often happens in great vintages. There is an excellent balance in the aging of Sangiovese, this should lead to rich but also very elegant wines.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Sangiovese

Wine Alcohol: 15%

Aging: 36 months in 30hl French oak barrels and 6 months in cement tanks