Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001

WS: 90 RP: 93 ST: 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec 06 (65) This historic property located in SantAngelo in Colle traces its roots back to the late 1800s. Today the wines are made by Fabrizio Bindocci, who cut his teeth working alongside Piero Talenti, one of the most famous figures in the world of Montalcino oenology. Although some small concessions are made to modern tastes the wines remain quite classic in their expression of Sangiovese. Il Poggiones 2001 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a very distinctive nose redolent of scorched earth, tobacco and cherries initially showing read more...a wilder side of Sangiovese in its hints of gaminess. It is full-bodied and structured on the palate, where it offers plenty of fruit, with considerable length as well as big, potent tannins. This backward, hulking Brunello is in need of considerable cellaring and is clearly built for the long haul. It is a wine of great personality and character. A recent bottle of the 1985 was also outstanding. 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 06 (62) Deep red-ruby. Red berries, spicy oak, menthol and woodsy underbrush on the nose; very sangiovese. Broad and vinous, with lovely sweetness to the flavors of redcurrant and red licorice. Sexy, fat wine with plenty of acidity to carry its considerable body. Finishes long, with substantial fine tannins that dust the teeth. 91 points Wine Spectator, Dec 06 (62) Complex and seductive, with blackberry and cherry character with just a hint of cedar. Full-bodied and chewy, with loads of fruit. Extracted and tannic, but should come around. Best after 2010. 90 points    (hide)

June 2009

The Wine Advocate rating: 95

The Riserva is made in limited quantities, only in the best vintage years, from Sangiovese grapes harvested by hand in the winery's oldest vineyard, I Paganelli. This vineyard is now 36 years old and especially suited to the production of top quality grapes, thanks to the natural features of the soil and the favourable microclimate. The Riserva is aged for 36 months in French Allier oak barrels, and continues to mature for another 12 months in the bottles before it is placed on the market, five years after the harvest. This wine's huge impact begins with the bright ruby red color; it is read more...stylish on the nose with fruity, floral notes enfolded in sweet spice. The flavor is lingering and balanced with a long, seductive finish. A very classy wine which will improve with time. Il Poggione produced two superb Brunellos in 2001. Their 2001 Brunello was outstanding and the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is even better. It is made in a rich, attention-grabbing style. Constantly changing in the glass, it offers an exciting array of dark cherries, violets, tar, tobacco, new leather, earthiness and smoke. This powerful Brunello possesses awesome length and superb harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026. Wine Advocate 95 points Moderately deep ruby. Perfumed aromas of spicy cherry, licorice and ink are tinged with notes of orange zest, pipe tobacco and menthol, the latter a bit dominating at present. Boasts impressive depth and power, with extremely pure, deep and complex flavors of red cherry, spicy plum and grilled meat that show energy and vibrancy on the palate. The very long finish displays seductive floral tones. This put on considerable weight in the glass, but will need at least several years of bottle aging to shake off its menthol accent and gain more volume. A real iron-fist-in-a-velvet-glove, with extremely fine tannins and uncommon grace. -International Wine Cellar 95 Points Loads of blackberry, licorice and toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied, round and rich, with wonderful fruit, light vanilla character and a long finish. Excellent, with lots of everything. Wine Spectator 94 Points    (hide)

International Wine Cellar rating: 95

Loads of blackberry, licorice and toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied, round and rich, with wonderful fruit, light vanilla character and a long finish. Excellent, with lots of everything. Wine Spectator. A Sangiovese Grosso wine from Tuscany in Italy. 2001 Il Poggione (Roberto Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 750ml

January 2009

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by Wine Advocate on 10/07