Tenuta Il Poggione - Toscana Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Stretching south of Sant'Angelo in Colle, Il Poggione's 140 hectares of vineyards range in elevation from 120 to 430 meters above sea level. Vines at least 25 years old are selected for the Brunello. The sun-drenched nose of macerated cherry and nutmeg is balanced by notes of porcini mushrooms and leather. This wine embodies all the generosity and opulence of the south, with dusty tannins that give it structure. The dense red fruit is punctuated by sweet, dried herbs, and the finish offers a hint of saltiness. There’s a lot of wine here, but it’s impeccably balanced. 2026–2036

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Il Poggione shows excellent results, with greater approachability in this vintage, and aromas of black fruits and blackcurrant, followed by hints of spice or herbaceous notes. It evokes licorice root, exotic spices, pressed rose, and fragrant tea leaves. It finishes smoothly with silky tannins and an open, approachable character. This vintage is almost ready to drink, while still offering elegant complexity. It spent three years in oak barrels. The grapes come from vineyards where the vines are over 25 years old. This is a large production of 200,000 bottles. 2025–2038

This red wine is rich and full-bodied, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, black pepper, earth, iron, and tobacco. It combines power and finesse, with a beautiful balance. The finish echoes the fruity and spicy notes. It will reach its peak between 2028 and 2045.

Medium ruby color. Peppery, full-bodied fruit with notes of leaves and herbs. The finish is lush but somewhat subdued, with plenty of acidity, suggesting it needs a little more time. Long, subtly fragrant, and well-balanced. 2025–2034

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is explosive, brilliant, and punchy on the attack, evolving from cranberry to cherry with notes of dusty sage, spicy blood orange, and Tuscan earth. It is a wine of pure elegance, with a deep, almost velvety texture, featuring a core of tart wild berries that adds contrast as a balsamic note emerges alongside fine-grained tannins toward the finish. The finish is long, structured, and layered, leaving a flinty sensation and a core of primary fruit that saturates the palate, while inner notes of violet and hints of lavender abound. The 2020 is consistent from start to finish, and although it is more approachable than a typical Il Poggione vintage, it is balanced enough for extended aging. 2028–2040

A subtle blend of licorice and graphite, bright red cherries, and toasty notes. Firm tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate with refreshing acidity. Overall, a chewy style. Try it in 2025, but it will be better after 2026.