98 Points Wine Spectator
Stunning, showing black cherry, blackberry, plum, leather, earth and iron aromas and flavors that work in tandem with the supple texture and dense structure. This has a good feel, between its level of ripe fruit and firm tannins, to age well. Excellent length. Best from 2026 through 2045.
 
97 Points James Suckling
This is very tight and linear and long. It shows so much black truffle, dark cherry and wet earth character with some bark. Full-bodied yet tight and polished with firm tannins that persistently drive the length of the palate. Great aging potential here. Try after 2023.
 
95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Castello Banfi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio alle Mura pours from the bottle with an inky dark appearance and rich color concentration. The full-bodied Brunello takes the Banfi philosophy (based on research and mapping to understand the unique qualities of each growing site in this sprawling property on the southern side of the appellation) to heart. The fruit selected here aspires to extract, richness and all the other qualities associated with your quintessential Sangiovese Riserva. Careful work in the winery has helped to chisel out blackberry, spice, cherry, leather and baked clay. Ample doses of cola, licorice and tar appear on the very long and powerful finish in this 14,638-bottle release.
 
Winemaker Notes
The wine has a deep ruby red color and an intense aroma of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, along with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and complex, with firm tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a long, persistent finish. It is a wine that requires aging, and can be enjoyed after 10-15 years from the vintage date, or even longer.