2019 Poggio di Sotto, Rosso di Montalcino

Shavings of cedar, blood orange, crushed cherries, dried flowers and stone dust form a mesmerizing bouquet as the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino slowly opens in the glass. There are depths of ripe textural fruits here, offset by zesty spices and bright acidity that sweeten the expression while energizing it as well. A web of fine tannins coats the palate through the finish, coupled with a core of primary concentration and sweet inner florals that seem to never truly fade. What a glorious achievement from Poggio di Sotto. The 2019 spent a whopping 43 days macerating on the skins, followed by 29 months of refinement in cask. It’s undoubtedly a baby Brunello.

Mid ruby with just the beginning of orange tinges. A nose dominated by dark spice, with lifted cherry underneath. The trademark Poggio di Sotto nose but with a curious creamy undertow on the palate. Full sour-cherry palate with a rich layer of fine tannins and then a full aromatic spread on the finish. Quite exceptional. (WS)