An immensely serious and complete Brunello from one of the biggest names in the region. The Poggione is a classic expression of Sangiovese from Montalcino. Subtle richness brings a fine structure along with the delicious unfolding of a layered complexity in red fruit, salty/savoury and floral nuances. A great-value classic that is in more and more limited supply…
96+/100 Eric Guido, Vinous (2018 Vintage)
"Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savoury and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouth-watering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed. — While tasting through the 2018 Brunellos, I couldn’t help but notice that quality in the southwest (in this case, Sant’Angelo in Colle) were generally higher across the board than in the north. This is not to say that every estate made a great wine, but that many more than usual made very balanced wines in the context of the growing season. However, Il Poggione made one of the top wines of 2018. What makes their Brunello so special is its balance of depth and structure that is seldom seen in this vintage, yet married to the exotic aromatics that many 2018s are noted for. In the end, production at Il Poggione was down due to strict selection of bunches to deal with the humid conditions. For this reason, Bindocci decided to use all of the fruit from the Paganelli vineyard in the estate Brunello, instead of producing a Riserva. The result is easily one of the top wines of the vintage and a bottle that collectors should not miss."
95/100 Kerin O'Keefe (2018 Vintage)
"Balsamic notes recalling camphor align with aromas of wet earth, underbrush, leather and ripe dark-skinned fruit. The palate has an earthy elegance, offering fleshy Morello cherry, game, truffle and blood orange framed in crushed velvet tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it bright."
94+/100 Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2018 Vintage)
"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby colour. This edition is loaded with black and purple fruits, such as blackberry preserves and plum. Those more robust tones are followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are young (but not stemmy or bitter), and you'd be best served by letting this wine age and relax with more cellar aging. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation, and this vintage is no exception. This is an ample production of 200,000 bottles."