Best Ever Banfi Brunellos

BRILLIANT BANFI BRUNELLO!

“As we continue with our offers of 2016 Brunello, the ‘Vintage of a Lifetime,’ Castello Banfi needs little introduction. With an iconic castle at the top of the hill and a team that is dedicated to the utmost quality production, Castello Banfi has very dedicated followers. I am simply blown away with the quality of these two wines… and that the prices remain reasonable – the 96 point ‘regular’ Brunello is under $44, making it one of the great buys of this legendary vintage. And the epic 98+ point 2016 Banfi Poggio alla Mura is under $64!

With that said, we were only able to secure 180 bottles of each wine. At these prices, if our last few 2016 Brunello offers have been any indicator, this will sell out quickly. Even better, the Wine House has some of the best prices in the country. Do not miss this one because it's easily the finest wine the estate has produced.

Please scroll down to the end of this email, as I have also included the full list of ALL the 2016 Brunellos we currently have available. Drink well and stay healthy.” – Lance Montalto, The Wine House

“An overall excellent vintage in Montalcino, 2016 should go down in Brunello folklore with other celebrated years like 2001 and 2004. In my opinion, it’s even better than 2010.” – Kerin O'Keefe The Wine Enthusiast

“For Brunello di Montalcino, the 2016 vintage will go down in history, even better than 2010 one. A stylistic mark characterized by an extraordinary success, capable of enhancing wine-growing areas and slopes, combined with a very clean interpretation in wine cellar. Density, tautness, crunchiness of fruit, territoriality at its best in these bottles that offer a great depth. These 2016 Brunellos will have a very, very long life!” – Luca Gardini

This wine is due to arrive September 2021

96 Points: “Though seemingly dense and impenetrable today, this red reveals a core of ripe cherry and berry fruit, surrounded by mineral, tobacco, earth and balsamic notes. Firm yet fresh, this should unwind nicely over time. To be released September 2021. Best from 2025 through 2048.” – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (March 2021)

95 Points: “An estate dating back to the early nineteenth century, now run by Filippo Fanti, capable of investing firmly in brand production. The result, among others, is this striking Brunello that is both savoury and intense with wonderful persistence. Spiciness on the nose: sweet violet, raspberry, a hint of pepper leaf. The mouth discovers its sapidity and tautness.” – Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes (October 2020)

95 Points: “Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften. Better than the 2015. Try after 2023.” – James Suckling (October 2021)

94 Points: “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers clean and pristine fruit and otherwise delivers a textbook interpretation of the vintage. Given the large extension of vineyards farmed by this estate, which is located on the southern side of the appellation, and the deft technological approach employed in the winery, you can count on Castello Banfi to offer an authentic read of any of their wines about to hit the market or that have been aged at the back of your cellar. Indeed, the Banfi library of wines acts as an institutional memory of modern Brunello. This edition shows sharp and focused fruit with leather, potting soil and balsam herb. For a straight-up classic Brunello, this wine delivers the goods.” – Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (November 2020)

FROM THE WINERY

Vineyards: Estate vineyards on the southern hills of Montalcino. The grapes are grown in stony, calcareous and well-structured soil at an altitude of 720 feet above sea level.

Winemaking: A meticulous grape selection is followed by vinification with skin contact for 10-12 days. Released in the 5th year after harvest, the wine is aged for a minimum of 4 years, including 2 years in oak barrels of various sizes, mainly French oak barriques and partly in Slavonian oak casks.

Tasting Notes
Color: Intense ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Ethereal, violet, vanilla with hints of licorice.
Taste: Full, soft, velvety, with traces of spice.
Food Pairing: Perfect with red meats, wild game and aged cheeses.
Additional Notes: 100% Sangiovese, select clones.

98 Points: “An excellent Brunello, summa of the territorial research carried out by Banfi. Small dark fruits on the nose, a mentholated nuance, orange peel, closing on the notes of caper. The mouth displays a great crunchiness and density with salty tannins. Saltiness in the finish.” – Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes (October 2020)

96 Points:“Cool and perfumed 2016 Brunello with black cherries, flowers and crushed stones. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins, yet polished and very silky. Mineral and seaweed undertones. Just a hint of bitterness. Drink after 2023.” – James Suckling (November 2020)

95 Points: “This wine represents a selection of fruit from vineyards near the property's postcard-perfect Castello, and it's often the most representative of the new releases presented each year by Castello Banfi. From a classic and balanced vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura shows beautiful depth and balance with dark fruit, cassis, dried cherry, licorice, balsam herb and earthy tones. The wine is symmetrical, tight and elegant with long, silky tannins. This is the full Banfi package.” – Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (November 2020)

95 Points: “There’s a lot going on in this bone-dry yet complex red, whose cherry, strawberry and plum fruit meshes with iron, tobacco, wild thyme and Mediterranean pine flavors, while the dusty tannins exert their presence on the lingering finish. Think hearty stews or wild boar ragù. Best from 2025 through 2043.” – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (March 2021)

FROM THE WINERY

Vineyards: A cru of select vineyards immediately surrounding the medieval Castello Banfi, historically known as Poggio alle Mura (the walled hilltop), in the southern part of Montalcino.

Winemaking: Fermented in stainless steel with traditional maceration. Aged for a minimum of four years, including at least 24 months in oak (90% in French barriques and 10% in Slavonian casks) and 24 months bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby red, tending toward garnet.
Bouquet: Violets, sweet ripe red fruits and berries, as well as cigar box and spices.
Taste: Flavors of plums, cherries, blackberry jam and raspberries, with just a hint of wood. Well-structured with extraordinary concentration of fruit. Supple tannins and long finish.
Food Pairing: Ideal with red meat, savory game, and aged cheeses.
Additional Notes: 100% Sangiovese, select Banfi clones.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 10% CANCELLATION FEE APPLIES TO ALL ORDERS. NO ORDER IS CONFIRMED UNTIL ACKNOWLEDGED VIA CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM THE WINE HOUSE UPDATING YOUR ORDER TO “PRE-ARRIVAL” STATUS. WE WILL SHIP ONLY TO STATES THAT ARE DEEMED LEGAL AT THE TIME OF SHIPMENT. *PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE. All payments for Futures (“Pre-Arrivals”) are due and payable in full at the time the order is placed (including sales tax, if applicable). Quantities are limited. If we cannot fill your order, your payment will be promptly refunded to you in full or we will attempt to find the same wine at market price, which will probably be at a higher price. Should any increases in Federal, State or Local taxes go into effect prior to delivery; the actual cost of such an increase will be added to the cost of the wine, payable on receipt of the wine. Thirty days after notification the arrival of your wine(s), if not picked up, they will be subject to a storage charge of $10 per case per month. It is your responsibility to notify the Wine House (310-479-3731, ext. 0, or wine@winehouse.com) of address and email changes. We are not responsible for unclaimed wine damaged by Acts of God 15 days (or more) after you have been notified of the arrival of your wine(s).