Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 [JS 98]

98 Points, James Suckling: “Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold…”

97 Points, Eric Guido, VINOUS: “Classic to the core, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining in depth and nuance as dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then hints of cedar and spiced blood orange. It’s elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruits and silken textural waves contrasted by sour orange notes. A core of vibrant acidity maintains a wonderfully fresh persona. This finishes long and staining yet also youthfully structured. A coating of fine tannins grips the remnants of red currant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip while lamenting its impossibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity currently in reserve, but I hope to be there when the day finally comes.”