Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2004

95 points/'Wine of the Vintage,' Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino from Il Poggione 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. 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. (Jun 2009)"

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "High quality and easy availability make this Brunello a sure bet for consumers who love the rich tastes of Tuscany. The wine boasts an immediate and intense delivery of blackberry, cedar and pressed blue flowers. It has natural denseness and firmness that fuel a long and satisfying finish. (Jun 2009)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "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. (2009)"

17.5/20 points Jancis Robinson: "Beautiful, healthy deep ruby with very narrow orange rim. Very youthful and compact on the nose. Elegant palate with a fantastic interplay between fruit, acidity and tannins. Powerful tannic finish, and a little mouthwatering. Very young and lots more to come. (WS) Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2012-2030. Date tasted: 30 Dec 2013. (12/31/13)"

Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano Buying Guide): "A historic winery in Montalcino known for fine, long-aging Brunello. The late Piero Talenti was the longtime winemaker here, and now his protégé, Fabrizio Bindocci, continues to craft the wines in a tight, traditional style. A great introduction to classic Brunello."

Robb Report: "This Sangiovese will require some aging in order for its lovely fruit to emerge from its complex array of tannins. Even in youth, however, the wine is loaded with berries and currents of brown spice. (10/1/09)"