Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento Riserva 2016

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. (9/13/23)"

97 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$160 list] Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution. Best from 2027 through 2045. (6/30/24)"

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. Drink: 2028-2042. (Dec 2023)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general store in the Old West with cherry and licorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-forward, with notes of cherries and figs, with currents of coffee and sambuca mingling to create a subtle sense of edginess. Tannins and acid oversee affairs without intruding, like a good party host. (Apr 2024)"

96 points Falstaff: "Intense, bright ruby with a fine garnet sheen. Impressive nose with notes of plums, some cranberry, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, sturdy tannin on the palate, opens with plenty of drive, ripe berry fruit, hearty and deep, subtle earthy notes on the finish. Alcohol 14.5%. (3/17/23)"

95 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento (in a medium-heavy glass bottle) is quite beautiful, truth be told, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino history. The bouquet is distinguished by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut husk. The tannins are resolved, and the wine ends on a softly silky note. Some 25,600 bottles will hit the market in January 2024. Drink: 2024-2043. (12/14/23)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A youthful, saturated bright red, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Al Vento has a sunny and introverted personality that draws you into its notes of kirsch, wild sweet herbs, sweet tobacco, leather, and cedar. Full-bodied, it has rich tannins, retains good freshness, and does not feel heavy. Rather light on its feet, it has a clean finish with notes of orange pith and a chalky texture. I would give this another year or two and drink over the following 10 years.Col d’Orcia is owned and managed by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano. His father arrived in 1973 in Montalcino, where he established the winery. In 2010, Francesco moved to organic certification. Located in the south, just north of the Orcia river, their property has greater exposure to the air coming off the ocean and the Mediterranean climate, so they are always the first in the region to harvest. The vineyards feature a high concentration of clay soils, with a vein of marine sediment that runs through the property. The Vigna Nastagio has tight clay soils with high pH, creating concentration and freshness. Poggio al Vento comes from a 7-hectare plot from which they select the best fruit for their Riserva bottlings. Drink: 2026-2036. (2/28/24)"

95 points Raffaele Vecchione (WinesCritic.com): "Red plums, strawberries, and crisp cherries dominate the primary palate. In the background, rhubarb, pressed red flowers, sweet almonds, and warm asphalt enliven the secondary palate with great charm. On the palate, it is full-bodied with rustic tannins and a taut, vertical finish. A classic Riserva that will improve with age. Best from 2026. (Nov 2023)"

94 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Aromas of wild rose, mature red berry, new leather and whiffs of tar and underbrush form the nose on the strapping Col d'Orcia 2016 Poggio Al Vento Riserva. Bold and full-bodied, the palate offers liquor-soaked cherry, bitter orange, ground pepper, licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of firm, close-grained tannins that need time to unwind. You'll also notice the warmth of evident alcohol that takes over the finish. Drink: 2028–2036. Abv: 15%. (Dec 2023)"