Press

• Score: 97 Vintage 2016 Vinous Media The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello is darkly alluring and balsamic, with masses of fresh tobacco leaves and underbrush giving way to plums and exotic savory spices. This displays the dark fruits and radiance of the vintage, coming across as cool-toned and poised, yet also densely packed, like a bomb waiting to explode. The red and black berry notes are deeply penetrating and tinged with the saltiest of minerals, as hints of tangerine stimulate under an air of lavender and purple-tinged florals. With so much going on and such beauty within, the structure sneaks up on you, appearing only through the finale, leaving the palate classically dry while resonating on hints of currants and inner rose. The Riserva is produced only in the best vintages, in honor of Nello Baricci, who passed away in 2017. It hails from a choice parcel from within the Montosoli cru, and spends 21–24 days macerating on the skins, versus 15–18 days for the Brunello. It then matures in 500-liter tonneaux for 40 months. This 2016 takes things to a whole new level for this historic family, and it does so without damaging the integrity of the straight Brunello. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 96 Vintage 2016 Wine Spectator This rich, round red is hallmarked by bright black cherry, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. Shows grace notes of iron, tar and eucalyptus, which chime in as the beefy structure exerts its influence on the finish. Fine balance and length. Best from 2025 through 2047. 250 cases made, 75 cases imported. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 96 Vintage 2016 Wine Spectator This rich, round red is hallmarked by bright black cherry, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. Shows grace notes of iron, tar and eucalyptus, which chime in as the beefy structure exerts its influence on the finish. Fine balance and length. Best from 2025 through 2047. No doubt, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (this is the full name of the estate) is blessed with one of the best growing sites in the Brunello appellation. The vineyard is spectacular, with views of the medieval Montalcino skyline in the distance and open plains of sun-lit exposures. This is one of a handful of wineries located in the Montosoli subzone, with its special well-draining mix of marl and galestro soils. Ancient marina fossils are often found here. The area also enjoys steep diurnal shifts, making for fresh wines with lifted, fragrant aromas. Federico Buffi and his family recently completed construction on a winery overhaul. Located a few steps away from the best vineyard sites, the old winery was cramped and needed updating, especially in the fermentation area. No doubt, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (this is the full name of the estate) is blessed with one of the best growing sites in the Brunello appellation. The vineyard is spectacular, with views of the medieval Montalcino skyline in the distance and open plains of sun-lit exposures. This is one of a handful of wineries located in the Montosoli subzone, with its special well-draining mix of marl and galestro soils. Ancient marina fossils are often found here. The area also enjoys steep diurnal shifts, making for fresh wines with lifted, fragrant aromas. Federico Buffi and his family recently completed construction on a winery overhaul. Located a few steps away from the best vineyard sites, the old winery was cramped and needed updating, especially in the fermentation area. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 96 Vintage 2016 Wine Advocate The Baricci 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello is elegant and fine but certainly sharper and more linear compared to the fleshier 2015 vintage. This wine is well-suited to long-term aging. Time in the bottle will help it to flesh out and expand, texturally speaking. The wine is etched and focused with cassis, red berry and crushed limestone. You also get hints of wild herb and lavender. This is a very pretty Riserva, and as its opens, it begins to show riper and richer black fruit. No doubt, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (this is the full name of the estate) is blessed with one of the best growing sites in the Brunello appellation. The vineyard is spectacular, with views of the medieval Montalcino skyline in the distance and open plains of sun-lit exposures. This is one of a handful of wineries located in the Montosoli subzone, with its special well-draining mix of marl and galestro soils. Ancient marina fossils are often found here. The area also enjoys steep diurnal shifts, making for fresh wines with lifted, fragrant aromas. Federico Buffi and his family recently completed construction on a winery overhaul. Located a few steps away from the best vineyard sites, the old winery was cramped and needed updating, especially in the fermentation area. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 90 Vintage 2016 Wine Enthusiast Aged in both large casks and tonneaux, this brawny red has a subtle nose recalling underbrush, coffee bean and camphor. Big and bold, the densely concentrated, one-dimensional palate suggests steeped prune, licorice and espresso alongside tightly knit, close-grained tannins. You’ll also notice the heat of evident alcohol on the close. Despite the tannins, drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit and freshness. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 97 Vintage 2015 Wine Spectator Plenty of cherry, raspberry, currant and floral aromas and flavors highlight this svelte red. The tannins are light, but have an edge, enhanced by the lively acidity, leaving a crisp finish. Ends with lingering hints of licorice, earth and spice, showing superb texture and harmony. Best from 2024 through 2050. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 97 Vintage 2015 Wine Spectator Plenty of cherry, raspberry, currant and floral aromas and flavors highlight this svelte red. The tannins are light, but have an edge, enhanced by the lively acidity, leaving a crisp finish. Ends with lingering hints of licorice, earth and spice, showing superb texture and harmony. Best from 2024 through 2050. 250 cases made, 75 cases imported. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 96 Vintage 2015 Vinous Media The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello from Baricci boasts a strikingly intense display of pure Sangiovese fruit. It’s dusty in character, wafting up masses of crushed black cherry and strawberry, with sweet herbs, hints of spiced orange and sandalwood. It’s soft and feminine, while leaning on purity and a salty mineral lift, which creates a tactile feel toward the close. Raspberry, cranberry, savory spice and inner florals hold your attention firm, while youthful tannins slowly sink in, drying out the expression today, yet promising many good things to come. Wow! This only got better and better over the twenty-four hours that I followed the wine. Shelf Talker Full Page Review
• Score: 95 Vintage 2015 Wine Advocate This is a terrific Riserva that embraces the sunlit exuberance of the 2015 vintage. It also shows the elegant contours of the rocky and mineral-rich soils of Montosoli. Dedicated to the late Nello Baricci, the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello is a lot of fun to drink. There is much to appreciate here, starting with the wine's rich fruit weight and its deep aromatic intensity with hints of dark rose, dried cherry, crushed stone and rusty nail. It spreads generously over the senses. The tannins are integrated and the open-knit texture is part of the 2015 vintage playlist. No doubt, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (this is the full name of the estate) is blessed with one of the best growing sites in the Brunello appellation. The vineyard is spectacular, with views of the medieval Montalcino skyline in the distance and open plains of sun-lit exposures. This is one of a handful of wineries located in the Montosoli subzone, with its special well-draining mix of marl and galestro soils. Ancient marina fossils are often found here. The area also enjoys steep diurnal shifts, making for fresh wines with lifted, fragrant aromas. Federico Buffi and his family recently completed construction on a winery overhaul. Located a few steps away from the best vineyard sites, the old winery was cramped and needed updating, especially in the fermentation area. No doubt, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (this is the full name of the estate) is blessed with one of the best growing sites in the Brunello appellation. The vineyard is spectacular, with views of the medieval Montalcino skyline in the distance and open plains of sun-lit exposures. This is one of a handful of wineries located in the Montosoli subzone, with its special well-draining mix of marl and galestro soils. Ancient marina fossils are often found here. The area also enjoys steep diurnal shifts, making for fresh wines with lifted, fragrant aromas. Federico Buffi and his family recently completed construction on a winery overhaul. Located a few steps away from the best vineyard sites, the old winery was cramped and needed updating, especially in the fermentation area. Shelf Talker Full Page Review