Brunello di Montalcino has enjoyed a run of outstanding vintages of late: 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015 to name a few. While these vintages have filled slots in my own cellar, there is just something extraordinary about the 2016's. Justifiably some of these stellar 2016's from well known producers are going to either break the bank, or put a large crack on it, but this doesn't have to be the case. Winemaker Roberto Rubegni's Bolsignano estate is every bit the under the radar producer that we dream of highlighting here at the shop. A dedicated student of organic viticulture, Bolsignano's vines are impeccably farmed, and his vineyards are brimming with biological activity. Rubegni produces a terroir driven style that's beautifully showcased in this 2016. The fruit resonates with black and red cherry notes over strikingly evolved earthy tones of rose petal, saddle leather, iron, star anise, black truffles, tomato leaf, and cigar box. The structure is mineral driven and beginning to reveal its silky touch. The finish is earthy and smoky, with great length and a touch of Brunello's signature woody tannins. Simply put, this Brunello has the elegance, longevity, and typicity that I find in bottlings that are at least three times the price of what we are offering to you today. With a production of roughly 4,000 bottles, this is by far the best boutique bottle of Tuscan Sangiovese we've come across.

About The Producer:

Roberto Rubegni is a one man show producing only olive oil, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. In 2012 the larger Bolsignano estate was divided up between his younger sisters, Elisabetta and Giulia who bottle their 5.5 hectares under the label Il Bosco di Grazia, and Roberto who continues the Bolsignano name and farms just over 3.3 hectares. Rubegni ages in neutral oak vessels of various sizes to allow for the terroir to speak. In addition to the nearly 3 years spent aging in barrel, this Brunello ages in bottle far beyond the minimal requirements before its release.