Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2018 1.5L Magnum

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a magnificent, deeply expressive, and traditionally crafted Italian red wine from one of Montalcino’s most revered, historic estates. Sourced from old, sustainably farmed Sangiovese vines in the southern reaches of the appellation, this 2018 bottling is especially prized as it includes the top-tier fruit from the estate's iconic Vigna Paganelli vineyard, which was not released separately in this vintage. In the glass, it pours a deep ruby color with soft garnet undertones. The nose is highly complex and alluring, opening with a heady burst of dried black cherries, wild raspberries, and exotic spices, layered with savory notes of crushed ashen stone, polished leather, wet earth, and a distinct balsamic edge. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied masterpiece perfectly captures the bright, balanced energy of the vintage, showcasing a dense core of fleshy Morello cherry and blood orange. Striking an elegant balance between old-school structure and accessible luxury, its tightly wound, flinty mineral tension is seamlessly smoothed out by rounded, crushed-velvet tannins that lead to an incredibly long, savory, and mouth-watering finish.

Food Pairing: This sophisticated red pairs magnificently with slow-cooked wild boar ragù over fresh pappardelle, roasted prime rib with rosemary-infused jus, braised lamb shanks, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or mature, hard Italian cheeses like aged Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

94 Points - James Suckling