Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016

The 2011,2012,2013, 2014, 2016 Brunellos aged 33Hl French oak casks taste clean and not austere. There are no Riserva in either 2014 and 2013, while the lots are still separate for 2016, 2012 2011.

For now, 2016 is the densest and most weighty of them all and will keep very well. It is not easy to predict how promising the future of 2016 will be, but the high scores(99 Luca Gardini, 97 VInnous, 96 WS, 96JD, 95RP) may well point to the spectrum of nose and palate, as well as ageing potential.

2014 gives classic aromas of underbrush, truffle, dark-skinned berry, and tobacco lead the nose of this elegantly structured red. Acidity is taut, offering a vibrant palate of cherry, cranberry, orange zest and liquorice. The fruit profile is similar to 2011 and 2013 that of rosebud, hints of liquorice and classic sour cherry, berries and new leather manifesting after some swirlings a muscular strength from dark fruit. The first sip of 2014 releases the impetuous tannins of a young Sangiovese, and a high concentration confirms wine of strength and vigour, which are indicators of ageing ability. It is, nonetheless, delicate, elegant and compact in the finish. It starts drinking fine now and probably best starting from next year.

In terms of power and intensity, 2016 is the best. 2014 is less than the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino release at the winery. We were blown away by 2012's wine of warmth and structure, exuding delicate dark plum, cherry, violet and spice flavours yet balanced with the most exquisite freshness on the palate in the first instance. 2011 is easiest by now.