The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura is part of a greater movement, that will hopefully pick up speed across the appellation, to prioritize single-vineyard or “cru” expressions of Sangiovese. Once bottled as a “Riserva” the base Brunello Poggio alle Mura is a newly-introduced concept and Castello Banfi has also recently added a Rosso di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Selezione as well. The idea is to shape a distinct identity for the estate’s most important vineyard. The identity presented here is one of a dark and concentrated wine with generous tones of dried cherry, cola, licorice and toasted espresso. This wine sees 90% French barrique and 10% aging in large Slavonian oak casks and that extra oak spice is evident. The wine also shows those delicate aromas of balsam herb and dried rose that are always such a pleasure to find in Brunello. This is a bold wine for game or grilled meats. It needs a few more years in the bottle to flesh out and evolve. Drink: 2017-2023. Importer: Banfi Vintners, www.banfivintners.com

Rich and dense, with a chunky swath of tannins rolling over the cherry, almond, black tea and underbrush notes. A broad, savory style, with a tobacco-tinged finish. Best from 2017 through 2029. 4,550 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add