2004 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/italy/10256.html

Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Category: Italy
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: WA 95WS 91IWC 93
PROMO: $1/btl Shipping On Case

In Vineyards, Like Real Estate--Location, Location, Location

In 1890 the Franceschi family purchased the Il Poggione estate in Sant' Angelo in Colle in the southwestern part of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The vineyards are located in the highest growing area at over 1300 feet above sea level. Elevation is very important for growing and ripening Sangiovese grapes because the vines and the fruit need cool air in the warm summer months in order to ripen fully.

Embracing the sun throughout the day, the grapes produce wines that are more structured and fuller bodied. The cool evening and morning temperatures created by the altitude help the fruit to ripen more slowly and as a result Il Poggione is able to produce profound, complex Brunello with great aging potential. The daytime heat of the summer is moderated in this area by cool maritime breezes which insure excellent ventilation, helping to prevent mildew, and ensuring the healthiest fruit possible.

Il Poggione vines are also among the oldest in the appellation. Because the roots reach so deeply into the subsoil, even during arid or hot vintages, our vines are able to find the water table. The stress caused by their search for water makes the fruit even richer and the wine even more profound and long-lived.

Reviews

Wine Advocate 95 points

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate's 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world's great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant'Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.

International Wine Cellar 93 Points

Good deep red. Sexy nose offers raspberry, spices, coconut, dried flowers, tobacco and potpourri: almost Lafite-like. Then suave, complex and energetic in the mouth, offering lovely vinosity to the sappy red fruit and floral flavors. Finishes long and vibrant, combining enticing sweetness and firm, saline grip. Really spreads out horizontally on the back.

Wine Spectator 91 Points

Has blackberry and coffee bean, with a hint of cream on the nose. Full-bodied and tight, with slightly austere and chewy tannins, but there is pretty, ripe fruit underneath it all. Best after 2010. 16,665 cases made. -JS

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/italy/10256.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store