Poggio Il Castellare Brunello di Montalcino

Really powerful for the vintage, with plenty of ripe fruit and cedary new wood, yet balanced and pretty. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long finish. Needs a year or two to come completely together. Best after 2011.

This pretty Brunello opens with a dark garnet color and segues to aromas of black cherry liqueur, blackberry, soy sauce, cola and dark spice. It’s a brooding, austere expression from Tuscany with polished tannins and silky texture.

Poggio il Castellare’s 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is an attractive Brunello to drink over the next decade or so. Soft red fruit, spices, earthiness and herbs come together on a mid-weight frame. The intensity tapers off just a touch on the finish, but the wine possesses lovely overall balance just the same. Anticipated maturity: 2010–2020.

Medium red with an amber edge. Red berries, dried cherry and sweet spices on the nose. Enters smooth, fleshy and sweet, with ripe red cherry, licorice and milk chocolate flavors. A rather politely styled Brunello, finishing with smooth tannins and a note of ripe red cherry. This will offer considerable early drinking pleasure.