The Le Chiuse 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni is a beauty, holding together with impeccable balance and a silky, persistent finish. The tannins remain firm yet refined, with menthol-like notes that add lift and vibrancy, recalling a timeless winemaking style. On a second tasting, the wine shows additional definition and clear signs of bottle age, with polymerized textures and a touch of sweetness that adds weight and slightly softens the overall profile. Drawn from one of the last truly classical vintages before climate change reshaped the region’s style, this Riserva is a timeless and memorable expression released in just 2,600 bottles. The 2016 takes Le Chiuse's celebrated late-release program to the next level. Congratulations.
100 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jan 2026)
Pouring a garnet hue, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni is layered and complex on the nose, with sandalwood, dried cherries, potpourri, incense, and baked earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish that stays seamless and resonant. It’s showing brilliantly today and should continue to drink beautifully for decades. Drink 2026-2050.
98 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2026)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni is impossible to ignore, with a wonderfully earthy and old-school blend of crushed cherries, fall leaves, underbrush, sweet pipe tobacco and autumnal spice. It presents a harmonious combination of silken, nearly fleshy textures and vividly ripe red and black fruits underscored by minerals and a hint of citrus. The structure clamps down through the finish, reminding me of this beauty's youthful state as a tinge of wild blueberry fades. This is a glorious riserva with a very bright future.
98 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Nov 2025)
Inviting aromas and flavors of licorice, sautéed porcini, woodsy underbrush, and fading cherry and berry fruit are the hallmarks of this maturing red. There’s a mineral vein interwoven, and this is still fresh and vigorous, with an intense aftertaste, all on an elegant, linear profile. Drink now through 2038. 250 cases made, 80 cases imported.
98 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Jun 2026)
Released 10 years after the harvest, Le Chiuse’s Riserva is made from the estate’s oldest vines, approximately 35 years old, which typically yield small berries. Lorenzo Magnelli says these confer greater depth of aromas, tension and mineral profile. This 2016 late release is a striking testament to that. Though less floral, it is reminiscent of its annata counterpart, with the intensity dialled up. Pronounced tobacco and Chinese five spice with smoky Lapsang tea make for an exotic introduction. Mouthcoating and velvety, the umami-driven palate reveals dried cherry, truffle and hints of walnut. Assertive, tight-knit tannins tug persistently. This is just at the very beginning of it wide drinking window.
98 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Nov 2025)
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