Purchased by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003, Castiglion del Bosco, after major investment in the vineyards and winery, has been restored to its position as a leading Montalcino estate. The estate, with 62 hectares of vineyards (51 of which are permitted for Brunello production) is located in the Val d’Orcia National Park, a UNESCO site, to the north west of Montalcino, near Buonconvento. Locally trained oenologist, Cecilia Leoneschi, who has been working at the winery since 2003 oversees the vineyards and the cellar.
Riserva Millecento is the highest expression of Sangiovese from the Capanna vineyard. First released with the 2004 vintage and produced only in exceptional growing years, this Brunello Riserva is the fruit of a meticulous selection of estate-grown grapes—the most classic expression of our Sangiovese. Elegance, character, and persistence make Millecento a wine for the ages.
Brunello Riserva Millecento 2016 was harvested during the first week of October and spent 22 days with prolonged maceration in stainless steel tanks. The wine matured for 36 months in 30hl French oak barriques, followed by 6 months in cement tanks. The wine was then aged in bottle for months. The entire vinification process is carried out in Castiglion del Bosco’s cellar, completely gravity-fed.
Characterized by mild winter and spring with higher-than-average minimum temperatures. This led to a slight advance in budding and a beautiful vegetative expression of the vines. The summer was cool and mild, slowing down the ripening which continued slowly and very well. Ripe tannins, richness in colour and good acidity have therefore characterised the Sangiovese of this excellent vintage. The harvest began slightly earlier and ended however around mid-October as often happens in great vintages. There is an excellent balance in the ageing of Sangiovese, this should lead to rich but also very elegant wines.
The wine preserved the acidic crispness that keeps it very young—thanks to the pH level. At the same time, we can perceive its extraordinary longevity, thanks to a very long finish. Notes of soil and graphite are combined with delicate hints of violets and cedar. The mouthfeel is enhanced by a great balance and an incredible length of drinking.
Serve with game dishes and red meats.
“Blueberries and cherries with hints of cedar and spice, as well as plenty of mixed dried flowers, including violets. Some graphite and stone, too. Medium-to full-bodied with racy tannins and a long, long finish. It’s linear and complete, with lovely elegance and structure.” 97 points – James Suckling
“This red reveals both power and finesse, with intense aromas of truffle, black currant, violet and iron leading off, backed by saturated dark berry fruit, floral, leather and tobacco flavors. Big, muscular tannins grab hold of the finish, with ample fruit in reserve. Best from 2026 through 2045.” 97 points – Wine Spectator, Bruce Sanderson
“The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento is dark and animalistic with musky black currants, mocha, rosemary and underbrush lifted by a hint of camphor. This is decidedly salty and mineral in character, offsetting its silky textures with tart wild berries tinged with sour citrus, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. Balsam herbs, cocoa and hints of licorice linger incredibly long over a coating of fine-grained tannins through the heroically structured finale. There’s already so much going on here, but with cellaring, I expect even more.” 94 points – Vinous Media, Eric Guido
“Lustrous deep ruby with orange tinges. Deep cherry fruit nose with a hint of nutmeg. Sweet-sour embryonic cherry fruit. Very concentrated, intense and long and with fantastic balance.” 17.5++ points – JancisRobinson.com, Walter Speller
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
100% Sangiovese
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
