We’ve been waiting for Brunellos next great vintage for a very long time; since the 2010 vintage in fact.
Well, the wait is over. 2016 may be one of the most spectacular vintages in decades. The wines are radiant, expressive, bursting with heady aromas and intoxicating flavors. It’s simple a brilliant vintage.
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That being said, there are always over performers and under-performers in any vintage and 2016 was no exception. The challenges were locational. Certain areas received a fair amount of rain up until August. Others were, as Francesco Ripaccioli of Canalicchio di Sopra in the northern eastern part of Montalcino said: “...if we could control the climate of a vintage artificially, I believe that I would program it to be just like the year 2016.”
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The wines Renegade is focused on are wineries with an exceedingly good track record where a difficult vintage produces very good wines and a great vintage produces ‘lifetime wines’. Here are the first four to be reviewed:
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2016 Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino $56
While this may be considered a value-driven Brunello, don’t let the price tag fool you. This is serious juice. Spicy and exotic with cherry, wild strawberry, savory herbs and hints of balsamic and leather. Juicy acidity and an inner floral soul rounds out this delicious beast.
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2016 La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino $76
“The elegant 2016 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a beautiful blend of pure fruits and perfumed aromatics. A dusty mix of wild strawberries, cherries, sage and cedar makes for an understated yet pretty display. It’s medium in body, and the textures are creamy in feel, with a polished display of red and black fruits offset by a twang of sour citrus, as inner florals build toward the close. The tannins here are sweet and nuanced, even as they create a classically dry expression; yet there’s plenty of residual energy to make this a knockout Brunello to enjoy over the medium term.” -Vinous
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2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino $80
A Compelling wine with tons of structure, dark fruits, spice, herbs, minerally-goodness, warm earth, grippy tannins. A wine that begs you to take another sip. This one will need patience or a good amount of decanting time but wow is this one worth it.
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2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova $138
Tenuta Nuova, meaning “New Farm,” was literally a groundbreaking project by Casanova di Neri to develop an area in the Brunello di Montalcino denomination that had not been planted with Sangiovese before. The ridge, covered with Mediterranean maquis shrubs, was originally owned by a shepherd, but proved to be too rocky for good grazing. The Neris, however, saw great promise for vineyards. And wow were they rewarded!
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This 99 point wine has soul and purpose. It’s ever changing in the glass. One moment  bright dark & red berries, violets and plums burst through. The next, dark chocolate and roses.
There's concentration that coats the teeth yet retains a nimbleness about it.
This is a mind-boggling accomplishment.
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Call or email 805.568.1961 to reserve yours and we'll have it ready ASAP for curbside pickup
or in store pick up (or even delivery if you like)

Balivet Vin du Bugey-Cerdon Méthode Ancestrale
(France, Savoie, Vin du Bugey-Cerdon) $24
Vincent Balivet is an organic farmer in Bugey, a tiny appellation north-east of Lyon at the foothills of the French Alps. Here, Balivet and his family grow Gamay and Poulsard vines on the steep slopes of the Cerdon subappellation of Bugey.
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Vincent Balivet's Methode Ancestrale sparkling wine is a blend of Gamay and Poulsard.
Very fresh and zesty, this wine is a fabulous addition to just about any occasion. Low alcohol (8%), off-dry and unique. It shows good minerality and acidity in the mouth with fresh grape aromas in the nose.
Enjoy with fried chicken or a plate of cured meats.

2020 Stolpman Rosé (Ballard Canyon) $18
Just released! As good as last year, perhaps even better!

From Sicily:
COS
Olio Extravergine di Oliva Biologico Cultivar Tonda Iblea $38
This is the height of what great Olive Oil can achieve. Creamy, rich, spice, and above all great balance.
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It’s as memorable as the best wine you’ve had .
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How do we best enjoy this?
Honestly, in a small espresso cup. Period. But also, later, with top quality bread. Nothing else.