2019 Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Paganelli Riserva

The Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli (with 40,000 bottles produced) sees a prolonged 48 months in oak botti with an additional 12 months in bottle. Fruit comes exclusively from a 12-hectare vineyard that was originally planted in 1964. We haven't seen this Riserva since the 2016 vintage. It starts off with broad richness, and the bouquet fires on all cylinders. It shows tart blackberry and plum with cured tobacco leaf and sweet baking spice. You feel a rich buildup on the palate from what is a naturally concentrated vintage. I have adjusted the drinking window to be a bit shorter compared to past vintages.

Lustrous mid ruby. Sweet, intense red fruit with top notes of dark spice and a suggestion of cardamom. Unexpectedly fluid on the palate with ripe, tangy raspberry and finely chiselled, gripping tannins. Very long, juicy and perfumed. (WS)