2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is just an infant in its evolution. A bouquet of dusty earth, dried rose and worn leather give way to wild strawberries, shavings of blood orange and lifting hints of pine. Its silken textures wash across the palate, soothing and seamless, with a wave of ripe plums and cherries guided by a stream of cooling acidity as nuances of brown spice amass toward the close. The 2019 tapers off with a spicy, citrus concentration that swirls beneath an air of violet inner florals and lavender tones as a coating of sweet tannins reminds the taster that this is nowhere near ready to reveal all of its hidden charms.

- Eric Guido (11/2023)

Focused and perfumed, showing violet, dark-cherry, orange-peel and crushed-stone character. Medium-bodied, this has firm and refined tannins that caress the palate. It’s silky and very long, showing precision and finesse with structure. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2026 but will age for a very long time with confidence. (12/2024)

One needs not delve further than the nose to understand the effortless power held in this 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Exotic spices, macerated orange peel with crushed strawberry, smoky mineral, and tar beckon on the nose, with a palate of tight-rope precision. There is no posturing on the palate - it is pure and chiseled, with a beautiful freshness, a savory backbone, and long, elegant tannins that frame the endless finish. Poggio di Sotto only releases a Riserva in exceptional vintages based on monthly tasting in the cellar, and also based on an "emotional" reaction to the wine, according to winemaker Leonardo Berti.

- Vanessa Conlin (12/2024)

This excellent wine is slated to be released in January 2025. The Poggio di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows a point of brilliant fruit over a medium-plus texture. The wine exhibits dusty tannins from the galestro-rich schistic soils that have a huge impact on the elegance and complexity of this exceptional and cellar-worthy Sangiovese. The palate salivates when you taste this wine. The bouquet is refined and bright with floral tones, red fruit and pencil shaving. Everything is in perfect form and balance. The 2019 vintage has the power and muscle for a long bottle evolution.

- Monica Larner (11/2024)