Il Poggione - Brunello 2019

WEINWISSER: "Noch so ein Klassiker, der in der Regel zu sehr attraktiven Preisen verkauft wird, meistens um die 35 bis 40 € herum. Dichtgefächertes Bouquet mit reifen roten und dunklen Früchten, Blaubeeren, Walderdbeeren, Cassis und roten Johannisbeeren. Dahinter zeigt sich auch der Holzfassausbau mit feiner animalischer Note, Zeder, Tabak, Schokolade, und dunklen Gewürzen sowie Kräutern. Fleischig-dichter Gaumen mit grobmaschigem Tanninnetz, aber von bester Qualität. Sehr persistent und substanzreich im Finale."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has an intriguing nose of freshly shaved white truffle, rose petals, sweet earth, candied orange peel, and roasted hazelnut. The tannins are abundantly silken, with a subtle power on the palate that is framed with freshness. The palate feels complete and holds the 15% ABV with grace, while the finish unfolds with fresh herbs and earthiness lingering. They started planting higher elevation vineyards in the '70s and '80s. In cooler years use they utilize the lower elevation vineyards, but almost every recent vintage has been based on the higher elevation plantings due to climate change bringing warmer temperatures."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows an evolved bouquet with aromas of dried fruit, forest floor, crushed flower and autumnal leaf. On a second nose, you get dark licorice, wet slate, cola and grilled rosemary. The tannins are powdery and dry. I recommend a medium-term drinking window as a result. You do feel the powerful 15% alcohol content in this ample 200,000-bottle release."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Saturated dark red in color and coming from 25- to 60-year-old vines, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is a brooding and serious wine on the nose and needs a little air on opening at this youthful stage, with aromas of cigar box, vanilla, smoky cedar, blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and charred rosemary. Opulent and rich, this full-bodied Brunello reveals rich, velvet tannins, warming richness, and spice, and its oak-noted frame enhances the richness. It’s deserving of several years of proper cellaring to harmonize and is a lovely, warming wine to enjoy over the coming 15- 20 years. It was raised for 3 years in large French oak barrels."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Features ample plum, cherry, iron, tobacco and underbrush flavors buoyed by a plump texture to match the dense structure, plus vibrant acidity to keep it all focused. Another year of aging should allow the finish to stretch out and this wine to reach its full potential. Best from 2026 through 2042. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 16,600 cases made, 4,000 cases imported."

DECANTER: "South of the village of Sant'Angelo in Colle, Il Poggione’s expansive estate rises from 150 to 450 metres. A traditional vinification sees spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeast and ageing in French oak casks of 30 to 50 hectolitres. Confidently comfortable in its skin and demonstrating all its youthfulness, the 2019 is a robust and exuberant offering. Sweet spice aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla meet savoury elements of leather and grilled meat. Mouthfilling black cherry is wrapped up in chewy, vigorous tannins. A subtle nuttiness rises on the finish. While not unapproachable, this is showing more power than elegance at the moment."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Lots of dried fruit, such as figs and dried cherries, followed by tree bark, rosemary and a hint of sandalwood. Full-bodied, creamy palate with a solid tannin texture. Wonderful length. Dense and opulent. Better after 2029."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Dark, youthful ruby. Very closed and brooding with only hints of perfumed raspberry, tea leaves and oak. Generous and composed at the same time on the palate. A layer of suave cherry and raspberry fruit lined with quite powerful tannins that demand more time. Carries its 15% with ease. Closes up on the finish and in need of more time."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkel leuchtendes Rubinrot. Einladender Duft nach reifer Kirsche, etwas Pfefferminz, im Hintergrund nach Zimt und Leder. Am Gaumen dunkle Frucht, griffiges, trocknendes Tannin, zeigt sich im hinteren Verlauf leider recht rau und spröde, bricht rasch ab."