Tassi Montalcino Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Colombaio 2016 750ml

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Colombaio is another exciting new release from Fabio Tassi. The bouquet shows a classic Sangiovese disposition, giving equal weight to bright fruit and wild cherry, while also emphasizing earthy tones of leather, herb garden and dried mint. Like the classic 2016 Brunello released by Tassi, there is a distinct red fruit tone here that reminds me of candied cherry or dried raspberry. This wine shows a mid-weight mouthfeel and is generally elegant, light and bright on the palate. These wines are fermented in a cone-shaped barrel and aged in Slavonian (Garbellotto) casks for 30 months.

The bright and floral 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Colombaio wafts up with a display of sweet smoke, hints of cedar, fresh roses and wild strawberries. It's silky and pure with ripe red berries, savory spice and vibrant acids, which create a highly enjoyable and almost-juicy expression. Salty minerals and nuanced tannins add grip through the finale; yet the Colombaio never loses momentum, instead comes across as perfectly balanced and classically dry, yet already so easy to like. This should only require minimal cellaring to show its best, after which I expect it to enjoy a long and open drinking window. The 2016 is a great introduction to the new single-vineyard Colombaio from Fabio Tassi, a place located in the woods above Abbazia di Sant Antimo.<br/><br/>

Juicy black plums and mushrooms, after initial dustiness and dried-leaf aromas. Cocoa beans and orange peel, too. It's full-bodied with firm tannins with a long finish. Drink after 2024.