Il Poggione

Rich ruby red, precise, clear fruit on the nose with a very light mineral note. Pleasant, beautifully smooth taste, round and of good substance. A Rosso di Montalcino with a lot of charm. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, dried leaves and lemon zest on the nose. It's medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Structured and savory with a firm finish." James Suckling

The Brunello di Montalcino 2017 also lives up to the impeccable reputation that the winery has earned over the years. We experience here a profound and beautifully made Sangiovese that presents a powerful and lush fruit of black cherry and spicy plum at the beginning. On the nose, mild oak notes, smoke, tar and roasted nuts. As it progresses, gravel, dried herbs and some mint. This Brunello shows an elegant development in the glass and promises a very long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose slightly bacony hints, then ripe raspberries and cherries, shows nuances of light malt, leather. On the palate pithy and with delicately wide-meshed tannin, savoury fruit in the attack and course, still needs to find itself." Falstaff

"Masses of ashen earth, smoke, dusty cherry and roses with nuances of clove lift up from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is silky and pliant upon entry, presenting a rich display of intense red and hints of black fruits laced with chalky minerals that drenches the palate. Penetrating acidity and grippy tannins create a burst of cheek-puckering tension, clenching down hard with youthful poise, as notes of licorice and hard red candies linger through the structured, medium-length finale. That said, it needs time to unwind from its youthful state. Production was down 15–20% at Il Poggione in 2017 due to severe selection of bunches, and all of the fruit that would have been reserved for the Riserva Vigna Paganelli was added to the Brunello instead." Vinous

"Sweet, ripe cherry, blackberry and plum fruit flavors are framed by mineral, tobacco and thyme accents in this vibrant, balanced red. Make no mistake, there are ample tannins too, yet this still finds a nice equilibrium on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby color. This edition is loaded with black and purple fruits, such as blackberry preserves and plum. Those more robust tones are followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are young (but not stemmy or bitter), and you'd be best served by letting this wine age and relax with more cellar aging. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation, and this vintage is no exception." Robert Parker

The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. It was the ideal year for Sangiovese to show its complete and true magic. You can feel the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens gently on the nose with elegance and grace. The current release shows amazing complexity with a bouquet that opens gently and subtly to reveal dark cherries, spices, balsamic herb and dried violets. On the palate, the impressions are reflected in an ideally precise and well-proportioned way, accompanied by an inner softness and finesse that completely delighted us. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always reliable Brunello, which is also convincing in this vintage: aromatic, elegant and yet with the necessary pressure on the palate, the final fruity-spicy and long. To the Viennese Rindlfeischküche." Vinum

"A broad bouquet with ripe red and dark fruits, wild strawberries, cassis and red currants. Behind this, the wood barrel ageing also shows with fine cedar, cloves and dark spices as well as herbs. Rich, almost fleshy palate, with a coarse-meshed tannin network, but of the best quality. Very persistent and substantial on the final." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby-garnet. Impressive and present nose, full of ripe plums, cherries and also blackberries, in the background some leather and liquorice. Juicy and firm on the palate, opens with grippy, gripping tannin, profound, has firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby. Savoury, meaty and brooding. Still quite closed. With aeration stony minerally notes emerge. Bags of sour-cherry and raspberry fruit in perfect balance with the finely chiselled tannins. Mouth-watering, long and focused." Jancis Robinson

"Camphor, new leather, underbrush and blue-flower aromas mingle together in the glass along with a whiff of toasted nut. On the firmly structured palate, assertive, close-grained tannins and an acidic backbone accompany dried cherry, licorice and tobacco." Wine Enthusiast

"A red with blackberry, cherry, some walnut and chocolate, as well as mahogany. Tea, too. It's full-bodied and firm-tannined with beautiful length and depth. Linear and very fine." James Suckling

"Among Montalcino's largest estates, Il Poggione continues to impress in 2016 under father and son winemaking duo, Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci. The wine wears its warm, southwestern origins assuredly on its sleeve, exhibiting dark bramble fruit intertwined with baked thyme and rosemary, fragrant wet earth and leather. It is weighty but not weighed down, and sports the grip and zip of the vintage, the lingering finish full of tobacco and spice." Decanter

"The Il Poggione 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a medium dark appearance with pretty Sangiovese shine and a little ruby sparkle. This vintage shows a slightly untamed or wild side with a dense and heavier fruit profile. The focus here is on blackberry, dried cherry, tobacco and even a touch of smoky tobacco or horse saddle. The wine shows the firm grip and tannic backbone that is a common trait in this vintage, especially with the vineyards on this southern, sunlit side of the appellation. I also get a considerable flash of acidity on the close, almost too much, that certainly needs a few more years to soften. You really need to wait with this one." Robert Parker

"This Brunello leads with black cherry, black currant and violet aromas, augmented by flavors of iron, tobacco and spice. Dusty tannins emerge on the lingering finish, while the sweet fruit persists. Should be compelling in a decade." Wine Spectator

"I'm not sure how Il Poggione manages to remain one of the largest producers of Brunello, maintaining such a high level of quality and turning out some of the best wines of the vintage year after year - but they do. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is yet another stunning example. Depths of mineral-encased black cherries, sage, allspice, licorice, tobacco and crushed violets lift up from the glass. It's seamlessly silky, even as the palate is peppered with tart red and black berries, nervous acids and savory exotic spices. This shows the density and weight of the vintage in a youthfully monolithic stance, yet with all the necessary components to maintain perfect balance. The 2016 Il Poggione seems to fold in upon itself through the finish, which is dark, mysterious and structured, with only hints of black tea and licorice to tempt the imagination. It's a classic in the making." Vinous

Vigna Paganelli 2016 is a phenomenal achievement and a wine that captures not only the spirit of this equally great vintage, but also the true essence of a very authentic Brunello Riserva. This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is sharp, flawless and impeccable. It starts slowly and shyly, but then blossoms into beautiful intensity and aromatic brilliance. It offers a very authentic and genuine interpretation of Sangiovese with aromas of wild berries followed by pressed violets, damp earth, tobacco and lightly toasted spices. The bouquet is seamless and very long lasting. The same goes for the mouthfeel. The wine offers a fine and silky texture with a good dose of power and personality on the finish. One of the best Riserve of the outstanding 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising notes of raspberry flanked by dried flower aromas and liquorice; the attack compact, the acidity and tannins skilfully placed, elegant classic finish. Can still age." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with slightly brightening rim. Very clear and finely marked nose, smells of fresh red cherries, plus fine raspberry. Polished, fine-meshed tannin on the palate, shows lots of juicy fruit, describes a wide arc." Falstaff

"The freshness and depth are impressive, with floral, dark-berry and cherry character that follows through to a full body with chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Flavorful at the end. Needs time to soften. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The estate’s oldest plot, Vigna Paganelli is a 12-hectare vineyard planted in 1964. It boasts a rich diversity of old Sangiovese clones which are used for newer plantings. Spiced plum, cured leather and a roll-call of marjoram, tarragon and basil beckon generously. Though hefty in size, this carries its girth with charming ease. There is a richness and sweetness to the fruit, while ripe, granular tannins provide a framework. A mineral edge emerges underneath all the layers. It will be hard to resist young, but I suspect intricate details will become more apparent in time." Decanter

"A beam of pure cherry permeates this sleek, elegant red, shaded by floral, mineral, wild herb and orange zest accents. Well-delineated and long, this has the balance, grip and intensity for a long life ahead." Wine Spectator

"This is the top-shelf wine from Il Poggione, and it's a must-have bottle for those who collect wines from this celebrated estate. From an icon vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a beauty. It stands at the intersection of intensity, elegance and power. The fruit is shapely and dense with plenty of blackberry and black cherry, and you also get savory touches of campfire ash, tar, licorice, ferrous earth and balsam herb. Honestly, you get it all, including that distinctive Brunello power and abundance that is not easily achieved with such careful balance. The finish is structured, fresh and long, and with more time in the glass, the leathery or savory aromas become more pronounced." Robert Parker

"A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient." Vinous

The Brunello di Montalcino 2017 also lives up to the impeccable reputation that the winery has earned over the years. We experience here a profound and beautifully made Sangiovese that presents a powerful and lush fruit of black cherry and spicy plum at the beginning. On the nose, mild oak notes, smoke, tar and roasted nuts. As it progresses, gravel, dried herbs and some mint. This Brunello shows an elegant development in the glass and promises a very long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose slightly bacony hints, then ripe raspberries and cherries, shows nuances of light malt, leather. On the palate pithy and with delicately wide-meshed tannin, savoury fruit in the attack and course, still needs to find itself." Falstaff

"Masses of ashen earth, smoke, dusty cherry and roses with nuances of clove lift up from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is silky and pliant upon entry, presenting a rich display of intense red and hints of black fruits laced with chalky minerals that drenches the palate. Penetrating acidity and grippy tannins create a burst of cheek-puckering tension, clenching down hard with youthful poise, as notes of licorice and hard red candies linger through the structured, medium-length finale. That said, it needs time to unwind from its youthful state. Production was down 15–20% at Il Poggione in 2017 due to severe selection of bunches, and all of the fruit that would have been reserved for the Riserva Vigna Paganelli was added to the Brunello instead." Vinous

"Sweet, ripe cherry, blackberry and plum fruit flavors are framed by mineral, tobacco and thyme accents in this vibrant, balanced red. Make no mistake, there are ample tannins too, yet this still finds a nice equilibrium on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby color. This edition is loaded with black and purple fruits, such as blackberry preserves and plum. Those more robust tones are followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are young (but not stemmy or bitter), and you'd be best served by letting this wine age and relax with more cellar aging. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation, and this vintage is no exception." Robert Parker

Brunello Riserva Paganelli with a racy, very intense bouquet of dark fruits, earth, leather, tar, liquorice and menthol. On the palate, in addition to the great fullness and depth, there is also a wonderful inner sweetness. The harmonious taste spreads far and wide, the aromas of the French oak are pleasantly restrained and the tannins perfectly integrated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a beautifully rich and succulent Brunello that drinks very nicely straight out of the gate. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli delivers a warm, inviting and velvety presentation. This bold wine is redolent of black cherry and dried blackberry with sweet almond, toasted spice and balsam herb on the long finish. What stands out most, however, is the wine's rich texture that floods the mouth from front to back. That richness is fueled by the warmth of the vintage but also by the magnificent oak integration. This Riserva is aged in botti grandi for four long years. Bottle production is 45,000 strong." Robert Parker

"Rich and evocative of cherry, currant, mineral, spice and tobacco flavors, this tightly knit red is harmonious and solidly built. Remains vibrant and persists on the mineral-inflected aftertaste. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"The 2012 vintage was extremely dry in Montalcino, mostly on the southern side. Despite several clean, sound examples of the vintage, the finished product is often chalky and dry at the end. However, Vigna Paganelli benefitted from its old vines to produce one of the best 2012s of the entire appellation. It's meaty on the nose with some cherry notes, leaning towards an underlying blood orange aroma. There's also an overt oaky character which is still remarkably present, and a powerful, extracted palate with firm yet velvety tannins. Refreshing acidity balances the 15% alcohol." Decanter

"Rather sweet due to the super ripe vintage. But there's also great subtlety, enormous depth and a ton of tannin behind the opulence. The super long finish is incredibly focused. Try to wait until at least 2020. This stunning Brunello has decades of life ahead of it." James Suckling

Vigna Paganelli 2016 is a phenomenal achievement and a wine that captures not only the spirit of this equally great vintage, but also the true essence of a very authentic Brunello Riserva. This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is sharp, flawless and impeccable. It starts slowly and shyly, but then blossoms into beautiful intensity and aromatic brilliance. It offers a very authentic and genuine interpretation of Sangiovese with aromas of wild berries followed by pressed violets, damp earth, tobacco and lightly toasted spices. The bouquet is seamless and very long lasting. The same goes for the mouthfeel. The wine offers a fine and silky texture with a good dose of power and personality on the finish. One of the best Riserve of the outstanding 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising notes of raspberry flanked by dried flower aromas and liquorice; the attack compact, the acidity and tannins skilfully placed, elegant classic finish. Can still age." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slightly brightening rim. Very clear and finely marked nose, smells of fresh red cherries, plus fine raspberry. Polished, finely meshed tannin on the palate, shows lots of juicy fruit, describes a wide arc." Falstaff

"The freshness and depth are impressive, with floral, dark-berry and cherry character that follows through to a full body with chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Flavorful at the end. Needs time to soften. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The estate’s oldest plot, Vigna Paganelli is a 12-hectare vineyard planted in 1964. It boasts a rich diversity of old Sangiovese clones which are used for newer plantings. Spiced plum, cured leather and a roll-call of marjoram, tarragon and basil beckon generously. Though hefty in size, this carries its girth with charming ease. There is a richness and sweetness to the fruit, while ripe, granular tannins provide a framework. A mineral edge emerges underneath all the layers. It will be hard to resist young, but I suspect intricate details will become more apparent in time." Decanter

"A beam of pure cherry permeates this sleek, elegant red, shaded by floral, mineral, wild herb and orange zest accents. Well-delineated and long, this has the balance, grip and intensity for a long life ahead." Wine Spectator

"This is the top-shelf wine from Il Poggione, and it's a must-have bottle for those who collect wines from this celebrated estate. From an icon vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a beauty. It stands at the intersection of intensity, elegance and power. The fruit is shapely and dense with plenty of blackberry and black cherry, and you also get savory touches of campfire ash, tar, licorice, ferrous earth and balsam herb. Honestly, you get it all, including that distinctive Brunello power and abundance that is not easily achieved with such careful balance. The finish is structured, fresh and long, and with more time in the glass, the leathery or savory aromas become more pronounced." Robert Parker

"A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient." Vinous

The Brunello di Montalcino 2017 also lives up to the impeccable reputation that the winery has earned over the years. We experience here a profound and beautifully made Sangiovese that presents a powerful and lush fruit of black cherry and spicy plum at the beginning. On the nose, mild oak notes, smoke, tar and roasted nuts. As it progresses, gravel, dried herbs and some mint. This Brunello shows an elegant development in the glass and promises a very long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose slightly bacony hints, then ripe raspberries and cherries, shows nuances of light malt, leather. On the palate pithy and with delicately wide-meshed tannin, savoury fruit in the attack and course, still needs to find itself." Falstaff

"Masses of ashen earth, smoke, dusty cherry and roses with nuances of clove lift up from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is silky and pliant upon entry, presenting a rich display of intense red and hints of black fruits laced with chalky minerals that drenches the palate. Penetrating acidity and grippy tannins create a burst of cheek-puckering tension, clenching down hard with youthful poise, as notes of licorice and hard red candies linger through the structured, medium-length finale. That said, it needs time to unwind from its youthful state. Production was down 15–20% at Il Poggione in 2017 due to severe selection of bunches, and all of the fruit that would have been reserved for the Riserva Vigna Paganelli was added to the Brunello instead." Vinous

"Sweet, ripe cherry, blackberry and plum fruit flavors are framed by mineral, tobacco and thyme accents in this vibrant, balanced red. Make no mistake, there are ample tannins too, yet this still finds a nice equilibrium on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby color. This edition is loaded with black and purple fruits, such as blackberry preserves and plum. Those more robust tones are followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are young (but not stemmy or bitter), and you'd be best served by letting this wine age and relax with more cellar aging. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation, and this vintage is no exception." Robert Parker

The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. It was the ideal year for Sangiovese to show its complete and true magic. You can feel the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens gently on the nose with elegance and grace. The current release shows amazing complexity with a bouquet that opens gently and subtly to reveal dark cherries, spices, balsamic herb and dried violets. On the palate, the impressions are reflected in an ideally precise and well-proportioned way, accompanied by an inner softness and finesse that completely delighted us. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always reliable Brunello, which is also convincing in this vintage: aromatic, elegant and yet with the necessary pressure on the palate, the final fruity-spicy and long. To the Viennese Rindlfeischküche." Vinum

"A broad bouquet with ripe red and dark fruits, wild strawberries, cassis and red currants. Behind this, the wood barrel ageing also shows with fine cedar, cloves and dark spices as well as herbs. Rich, almost fleshy palate, with a coarse-meshed tannin network, but of the best quality. Very persistent and substantial on the final." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby-garnet. Impressive and present nose, full of ripe plums, cherries and also blackberries, in the background some leather and liquorice. Juicy and firm on the palate, opens with grippy, gripping tannin, profound, has firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby. Savoury, meaty and brooding. Still quite closed. With aeration stony minerally notes emerge. Bags of sour-cherry and raspberry fruit in perfect balance with the finely chiselled tannins. Mouth-watering, long and focused." Jancis Robinson

"Camphor, new leather, underbrush and blue-flower aromas mingle together in the glass along with a whiff of toasted nut. On the firmly structured palate, assertive, close-grained tannins and an acidic backbone accompany dried cherry, licorice and tobacco." Wine Enthusiast

"A red with blackberry, cherry, some walnut and chocolate, as well as mahogany. Tea, too. It's full-bodied and firm-tannined with beautiful length and depth. Linear and very fine." James Suckling

"Among Montalcino's largest estates, Il Poggione continues to impress in 2016 under father and son winemaking duo, Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci. The wine wears its warm, southwestern origins assuredly on its sleeve, exhibiting dark bramble fruit intertwined with baked thyme and rosemary, fragrant wet earth and leather. It is weighty but not weighed down, and sports the grip and zip of the vintage, the lingering finish full of tobacco and spice." Decanter

"The Il Poggione 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a medium dark appearance with pretty Sangiovese shine and a little ruby sparkle. This vintage shows a slightly untamed or wild side with a dense and heavier fruit profile. The focus here is on blackberry, dried cherry, tobacco and even a touch of smoky tobacco or horse saddle. The wine shows the firm grip and tannic backbone that is a common trait in this vintage, especially with the vineyards on this southern, sunlit side of the appellation. I also get a considerable flash of acidity on the close, almost too much, that certainly needs a few more years to soften. You really need to wait with this one." Robert Parker

"This Brunello leads with black cherry, black currant and violet aromas, augmented by flavors of iron, tobacco and spice. Dusty tannins emerge on the lingering finish, while the sweet fruit persists. Should be compelling in a decade." Wine Spectator

"I'm not sure how Il Poggione manages to remain one of the largest producers of Brunello, maintaining such a high level of quality and turning out some of the best wines of the vintage year after year - but they do. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is yet another stunning example. Depths of mineral-encased black cherries, sage, allspice, licorice, tobacco and crushed violets lift up from the glass. It's seamlessly silky, even as the palate is peppered with tart red and black berries, nervous acids and savory exotic spices. This shows the density and weight of the vintage in a youthfully monolithic stance, yet with all the necessary components to maintain perfect balance. The 2016 Il Poggione seems to fold in upon itself through the finish, which is dark, mysterious and structured, with only hints of black tea and licorice to tempt the imagination. It's a classic in the making." Vinous

Brunello Riserva Paganelli with a racy, very intense bouquet of dark fruits, earth, leather, tar, liquorice and menthol. On the palate, in addition to the great fullness and depth, there is also a wonderful inner sweetness. The harmonious taste spreads far and wide, the aromas of the French oak are pleasantly restrained and the tannins perfectly integrated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a beautifully rich and succulent Brunello that drinks very nicely straight out of the gate. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli delivers a warm, inviting and velvety presentation. This bold wine is redolent of black cherry and dried blackberry with sweet almond, toasted spice and balsam herb on the long finish. What stands out most, however, is the wine's rich texture that floods the mouth from front to back. That richness is fueled by the warmth of the vintage but also by the magnificent oak integration. This Riserva is aged in botti grandi for four long years. Bottle production is 45,000 strong." Robert Parker

"Rich and evocative of cherry, currant, mineral, spice and tobacco flavors, this tightly knit red is harmonious and solidly built. Remains vibrant and persists on the mineral-inflected aftertaste. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"The 2012 vintage was extremely dry in Montalcino, mostly on the southern side. Despite several clean, sound examples of the vintage, the finished product is often chalky and dry at the end. However, Vigna Paganelli benefitted from its old vines to produce one of the best 2012s of the entire appellation. It's meaty on the nose with some cherry notes, leaning towards an underlying blood orange aroma. There's also an overt oaky character which is still remarkably present, and a powerful, extracted palate with firm yet velvety tannins. Refreshing acidity balances the 15% alcohol." Decanter

"Rather sweet due to the super ripe vintage. But there's also great subtlety, enormous depth and a ton of tannin behind the opulence. The super long finish is incredibly focused. Try to wait until at least 2020. This stunning Brunello has decades of life ahead of it." James Suckling

Only in the best years does Il Poggione vinify a Riserva. In the picture-book 2015 vintage, this single-vineyard Brunello presents itself as an unadulterated, clear and flawless interpretation of Sangiovese. On the seamless and long-lasting bouquet, complex and deep with floral notes and hints of cocoa, vanilla and cherry. On the palate, an intense and brilliant fruit that blends well with the tannins and lingers long on the tongue. A great, elegant Tuscan with a fine, silky texture and of great power and personality at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby. Presents itself in the nose with emphatically ripe notes of pickled plums and cherries, in the background a little black truffle. Very powerful on the palate, fills the mouth richly, hearty, gripping tannin in many layers, firm pressure, very long finish, a long runner." Falstaff

"Baked plum, new leather, camphor and scorched earth aromas waft out of the glass on this powerfully built red. Full bodied and concentrated, the dense palate delivers cherry marinated in spirits, prune, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly knit, close-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Expressive scents of dark plum and baking spice emerge swiftly from the glass. This is powerfully fruited, full-figured and expansive. Accents of tar, leather and a pop of scorched orange peel add abundant intrigue. The tannins are smooth but teeth-coating and could do with some time to retreat. This promises much pleasure for years to come." Decanter

"This red is subtle and laced with cherry, plum and floral notes, backed by vibrant acidity. Earth and tobacco accents add depth. It took a few moments of aeration to shake off the cobwebs, and this isn't an expressive style, but it has its appeal. Will need time to absorb the substantial tannins." Wine Spectator

"So many sour cherries rise up from the glass, along with orange rind and lemon peel. The full-bodied palate has a very serious and concentrated core of florals and fruit, and the tannins have an iron-fisted, strapping build. Long, chewy and structured. One of the best in years from here." James Suckling

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli Riserva from Il Poggione keeps you at the edge of your seat, with a gorgeous display of herbal-tinged black cherry, sweet white smoke, cedar and cloves. The textures are silky and polished, as this coasts effortlessly across a core of salty minerals and bright acids, taking on a decidedly savory, umami note. There's simply so much going on and so much to like about the 2015 Riserva, as balsamic spice, hints of wild herbs and tobacco form up toward the close over a coating of classically fine tannin. Tasting the 2015 Riserva, you could easily forget that it hails from a ripe vintage. This needs five or more years to unwind and should then excel for well over a decade in our cellars. Tasted twice and over the course of two days." Vinous

"This single-vineyard Riserva delivers a generous, abundant and determined personality. This is Brunello with a capital B. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli benefits from a warm and sun-soaked microclimate that is shielded from cold winter winds. You can taste the good health of the grapes thanks to those very direct aromas of black cherry, plum, tar, campfire ash and chalky mineral. The Paganelli vineyard is 12 hectares in size, with vines planted in 1964. The last time this wine was made was in 2012. Fruit from those old vines shape complex aromas, elegant tannins and bright freshness. Despite that handsome DNA, this is another new release from Il Poggione that will require more cellar age." Robert Parker

Vigna Paganelli 2016 is a phenomenal achievement and a wine that captures not only the spirit of this equally great vintage, but also the true essence of a very authentic Brunello Riserva. This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is sharp, flawless and impeccable. It starts slowly and shyly, but then blossoms into beautiful intensity and aromatic brilliance. It offers a very authentic and genuine interpretation of Sangiovese with aromas of wild berries followed by pressed violets, damp earth, tobacco and lightly toasted spices. The bouquet is seamless and very long lasting. The same goes for the mouthfeel. The wine offers a fine and silky texture with a good dose of power and personality on the finish. One of the best Riserve of the outstanding 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising notes of raspberry flanked by dried flower aromas and liquorice; the attack compact, the acidity and tannins skilfully placed, elegant classic finish. Can still age." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slightly brightening rim. Very clear and finely marked nose, smells of fresh red cherries, plus fine raspberry. Polished, finely meshed tannin on the palate, shows lots of juicy fruit, describes a wide arc." Falstaff

"The freshness and depth are impressive, with floral, dark-berry and cherry character that follows through to a full body with chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Flavorful at the end. Needs time to soften. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The estate’s oldest plot, Vigna Paganelli is a 12-hectare vineyard planted in 1964. It boasts a rich diversity of old Sangiovese clones which are used for newer plantings. Spiced plum, cured leather and a roll-call of marjoram, tarragon and basil beckon generously. Though hefty in size, this carries its girth with charming ease. There is a richness and sweetness to the fruit, while ripe, granular tannins provide a framework. A mineral edge emerges underneath all the layers. It will be hard to resist young, but I suspect intricate details will become more apparent in time." Decanter

"A beam of pure cherry permeates this sleek, elegant red, shaded by floral, mineral, wild herb and orange zest accents. Well-delineated and long, this has the balance, grip and intensity for a long life ahead." Wine Spectator

"This is the top-shelf wine from Il Poggione, and it's a must-have bottle for those who collect wines from this celebrated estate. From an icon vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a beauty. It stands at the intersection of intensity, elegance and power. The fruit is shapely and dense with plenty of blackberry and black cherry, and you also get savory touches of campfire ash, tar, licorice, ferrous earth and balsam herb. Honestly, you get it all, including that distinctive Brunello power and abundance that is not easily achieved with such careful balance. The finish is structured, fresh and long, and with more time in the glass, the leathery or savory aromas become more pronounced." Robert Parker

"A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient." Vinous

Vigna Paganelli 2016 is a phenomenal achievement and a wine that captures not only the spirit of this equally great vintage, but also the true essence of a very authentic Brunello Riserva. This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is sharp, flawless and impeccable. It starts slowly and shyly, but then blossoms into beautiful intensity and aromatic brilliance. It offers a very authentic and genuine interpretation of Sangiovese with aromas of wild berries followed by pressed violets, damp earth, tobacco and lightly toasted spices. The bouquet is seamless and very long lasting. The same goes for the mouthfeel. The wine offers a fine and silky texture with a good dose of power and personality on the finish. One of the best Riserve of the outstanding 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising notes of raspberry flanked by dried flower aromas and liquorice; the attack compact, the acidity and tannins skilfully placed, elegant classic finish. Can still age." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slightly brightening rim. Very clear and finely marked nose, smells of fresh red cherries, plus fine raspberry. Polished, fine-meshed tannin on the palate, shows lots of juicy fruit, describes a wide arc." Falstaff

"The freshness and depth are impressive, with floral, dark-berry and cherry character that follows through to a full body with chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Flavorful at the end. Needs time to soften. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The estate’s oldest plot, Vigna Paganelli is a 12-hectare vineyard planted in 1964. It boasts a rich diversity of old Sangiovese clones which are used for newer plantings. Spiced plum, cured leather and a roll-call of marjoram, tarragon and basil beckon generously. Though hefty in size, this carries its girth with charming ease. There is a richness and sweetness to the fruit, while ripe, granular tannins provide a framework. A mineral edge emerges underneath all the layers. It will be hard to resist young, but I suspect intricate details will become more apparent in time." Decanter

"A beam of pure cherry permeates this sleek, elegant red, shaded by floral, mineral, wild herb and orange zest accents. Well-delineated and long, this has the balance, grip and intensity for a long life ahead." Wine Spectator

"This is the top-shelf wine from Il Poggione, and it's a must-have bottle for those who collect wines from this celebrated estate. From an icon vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a beauty. It stands at the intersection of intensity, elegance and power. The fruit is shapely and dense with plenty of blackberry and black cherry, and you also get savory touches of campfire ash, tar, licorice, ferrous earth and balsam herb. Honestly, you get it all, including that distinctive Brunello power and abundance that is not easily achieved with such careful balance. The finish is structured, fresh and long, and with more time in the glass, the leathery or savory aromas become more pronounced." Robert Parker

"A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient." Vinous