Il Poggione’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino bursts from the glass with intense, layered fruit. A big, voluptuous wine, the 2011 stands out for its generous, utterly inviting personality. Hints of spices and rose petals add complexity, but in the end in 2011 the Rosso is a wine mostly of juicy, textural impact. The estate’s Rosso is made from the estate’s youngest vines and lower-altitude vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Longtime winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci describes 2008 as a challenging year. The winter saw quite a bit of rain. Flowering was normal, but it was followed by a wet July. Like most of their neighbors, Il Poggione suffered the devastating effects of the August 15 hailstorm that took with it 50% of the production. Proprietor Leopoldo Franceschi happened to be at the estate to celebrate the national holiday, but was so traumatized by the events he vowed never again to set foot on his property on August 15th! When Franceschi has more time to reflect on the quality of his wine, he may change his mind. Longtime winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci and his son Alessandro decided not to bottle their Riserva in 2008, so all of the juice went into the straight Brunello bottling, which is easily one of the wines of the vintage. The next Riserva from Il Poggione will be the 2010. As has long been the custom here, the Brunelli are fermented in stainless steel, with natural yeasts. The malos also occur naturally, after which the wines are moved into 33- and 50-hectoliter French oak casks. The Poggione Brunellos, especially the straight bottling, remain among the very best values in cellar worthy wine anywhere in the world. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

A mix of cherry, plum, leather, tobacco and earth flavors courses through this firm, chewy red. Traditional in style, with the tannins leaving an astringent feel. Gains harmony with air. Decant. Best from 2015 through 2022. 12,500 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Rosso di Montalcino Select to Add