When Marilisa Allegrini, best known for her family estate in Valpolicella, purchased San Polo in Montalcino in 2006, she set out on an ambitious programme of development to establish a winery that would prove to be one of Tuscany's most inspiring.

Situated in the eastern part of Montalcino, San Polo produces Brunello that are classic in style, but with a bit more weight than those found to the north of the region. Their high-altitude vineyards give a special elegance and fragrance to the wines.

'Better than 2015' in the eyes of James Suckling, the San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 2016 scores a huge 97 points from him, its highest ever, and scores 96 points from the Wine Enthusiast's Kerin O'Keefe. Recommended as an 'Editors' Choice' for vintage by the Wine Enthusiast, it is a serious achievement from this estate on the rise with such high quality Brunello being made across the region in 2016.

A 'rich, layered red' (JS), it gives off wonderful aromas of dark fruit, underbrush, rose petal, new leather and wild mint. With a 'savory, elegantly structured palate' (WE), you get a real sense of 'depth, intensity and focus' (JS). Bright acidity keeps it 'radiant' (WE) leading to a generous finish with great tension. With a drinking window up to 2038, it has the ageing capability of any great Brunello.

Released at only £225 per case IB, the San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is clearly the finest vintage yet from this rising star estate. Brunello fans are going to be hearing a lot more from San Polo in the future.