Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2010:
‘The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. Sangiovese specifically requires the perfect growing conditions to show its magic, and this vintage delivers those special qualities in troves. You are aware of the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens softly on the bouquet with elegance and grace. This bottle shows stunning complexity with a bouquet that peels back to reveal dark cherry, spice, balsam herb and dried violets. The mouthfeel has yielded to a greater sense of inner softness and mellowness since I last tasted this gorgeous wine upon its commercial release.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Spectator, 97/100 (Oct 2017)

‘Rich, with excellent density, ripe cherry and plum fruit, and a well-integrated structure. Licorice, earth and tobacco notes add depth while this cruises to a long, tobacco- and mineral-tinged finish. Shows balance and grip. Best from 2018 through 2033.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Jun 2015)

‘Aromas recall blue flower, plum, underbrush and baking spice. The full-bodied palate offers mature black cherry, tobacco, anise and black pepper alongside a backbone of firm but refined tannins. Drink 2017–2022.’ – Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (May 2015)

‘Il Poggione's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkably beautiful wine. Rose petal, mint, cinnamon, sweet dark cherries and smoke lift from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello built on energy and power. This is an especially lifted, precise and nuanced Brunello from Il Poggione, with more emphasis on length and mid-weight structure rather than overt volume. In many ways, the 2010 comes across as a modern-day version of the 1982 Riserva. Readers who have tasted that wine know just how special that is. For the money, there is not a single better wine being made in Montalcino than Il Poggione's Brunello.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94+/100 (Feb 2015)

‘Concentrated ruby with orange tinges. Just a tiny bit dusty and reductive on the nose and what looks like a hint of oak. Succulent fresh fruit with a proper bite of tannins on the finish. Seductive and juicy and already hard to resist.’ – Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Jan 2015)

2012:
‘Shades of leather, spice, tea and iron surround the strawberry and cherry notes in this sleek, energetic red. Firm and tense, with a solid band of tannins lending grip to the finish. Best from 2021 through 2034.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2017)

‘Ripe plum, tobacco, dark spice and balsamic aromas adorn this invigorating red. Firm and full-bodied, the palate delivers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and grilled herb flavors with a backbone of youthful, bracing tannins. It's already tempting but give it time to fully come around. Drink 2020–2032.’ – Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Apr 2017)

‘Dark garnet. Intriguing mix of fresh veg and compost on the nose, plus a bit of charred meat. Round on the palate – already very suave, and very Brunello. Confident expression of the vintage’s combination of ripeness and freshness.’ – Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Mar 2017)

‘Il Poggione is a Brunello superstar and a vintage like this reveals every reason why that affirmation is true. From the second the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino pours into the glass, you know you are in for something special. The wine is darkly saturated and rich in appearance. Absent are those slightly amber or browning hues you often get with Sangiovese in a hot vintage. Nor does the wine show flat or tired characteristics. Instead, the quality of fruit is vibrant and rich. This is a healthy, generous and exuberant Brunello with dark density and succulent fruit flavors that are followed by integrated spice and tobacco. The balance is impressive and one thing you get here is fresh acidity. This is not to be underestimated, because the acidity quota in the 2012 vintage across the appellation is not as high or evident as usual. This is one of the year's best Brunellos.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 95+/100 (Mar 2017)

‘Good full red. Medicinal red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices and mint on the fresh, precise nose. Bright and sweet, with a penetrating, austere quality to its flavors of red fruits, minerals and medicinal herbs. Harmonious acidity nicely frames the pure, long, youthfully tight finish. Lovely young Brunello that will repay cellaring.’ – Ian D’Agata, Vinous, 93+/100 (Feb 2017)