Col d’Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 – 750ml Southern Wine & Spirits

96pts Vinous

The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making.
Rating: 96+

95pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d’Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors. The wine’s fruit weight is large-scale for sure, and it’s more than enough to soften the 15% alcohol in this 25,000-bottle release. A food pairing will require a wintery scene, a roaring fireplace and an important cut of beef.

94pts Wine Spectator

A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it’s not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food. Best from 2026.

94pts James Suckling

Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish. From organically grown grapes. Lovely now, but better in a year or two.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

Sunny and opulent, the 2015 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Al Vento is juicy with cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, baking spices, and balsamic. Full and round through the midpalate, with black cherry, blackberry, scorched earth, and tea leaf, it is hearty, structured, and broad. It is also well representative of the 2015 vintage, warranting ample time in the cellar. Best after 2024.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

The initially shy nose eventually reveals camphor, new leather, underbrush and dark spice. Big and firmly structured, the concentrated, one-dimensional palate recalls dried cherry, stewed prune and licorice set against assertive, close-grained tannins and the heat of evident alcohol. Despite the tannins, drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit and freshness.