Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2015 – 750ml Southern Wine & Spirits

97pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a darker and more concentrated appearance than many of its peers. The wine is beautifully abundant and fragrant in the most exuberant and expressive manner. You will recognize aromas of moist soil, tobacco and smoke. Candied cherry hovers over the entire bouquet. Fruit is sourced from older vines (all over 25 years old). Il Poggione occupies a special spot within the Montalcino appellation, and the area always produces slightly more concentrated and powerful wines. I find that to be particularly true in this gorgeous 2015 vintage. I am also very attracted to that almost dusty note of crushed mineral that rides long on the full-bodied finish. Il Poggione’s Brunello is also distinguished by firm, youthful tannin that need a few more years to unwind.

97pts Vinous

Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers up a dark, earthy, almost animal-like expression, showing black soil and undergrowth, giving way to crushed black cherry, dusty spice, and dried florals which lift the experience. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures usher in fresh cherry and strawberry, as brisk acids add energy, with savory herbs and minerals saturating, as the 2015 Il Poggione’s fruit nearly masks its structural core. The finish is long yet fresh, with classic, fine tannins, dried red fruits and pretty inner floral tones lingering throughout this perfectly balanced expression. The 2015 s pure class and built for the cellar. Drinking window: 2024 – 2044.

96pts James Suckling

So many sour cherries rise up from the glass, along with orange rind and lemon peel. The full-bodied palate has a very serious and concentrated core of florals and fruit, and the tannins have an iron-fisted, strapping build. Long, chewy and structured. One of the best in years from here. Drink from 2025.

95pts Wine Spectator

Wild herb and Mediterranean [i]macchia[n] notes mark this expressive red. Though well-endowed with tannins, this is on the sleek side, showing vibrant acidity. Cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors join the party as this cruises to a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2042.

94pts Decanter

The expansive Il Poggione estate stretches over 500ha and boasts 140ha of vines. Despite its size, this is very much a family affair, with fifth-generation Alessandro Bindocci working alongside his father Fabrizio. In 2015, the Brunello was crafted only from their highest vineyards, up to 400 metres. True to its balmy southern origins, it demonstrates immense concentration and ripeness, yet it remains balanced in its considerable proportions. Luxuriously textured fruit is firmly girdled by powerful, chewy tannins and there is no sacrifice of flavor either – iodine, earth, leather, sweet tobacco and dried thyme are woven throughout. The sapid finish lingers leisurely. Drinking Window 2022 – 2034

91pts Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of mature plum, vanilla, French oak and camphor lift out of the glass. Full bodied and firmly structured, the palate features dried black cherry, prune, licorice and a hint of tobacco leaf set against a backbone of close-grained tannins. Give it several years for the tannins to unwind then drink to enjoy the already mature fruit flavors. Drink after 2025

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red in color, with a very intense, persistent nose and with red fruit notes. Warm, balanced flavor with velvet-smooth tannins. Long-lasting aroma.