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SKU 912516
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Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Brunello Di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino, an esteemed wine appellation in Tuscany, Italy, has been crafting exceptional red wines since its establishment in 1966. Focused exclusively on the Sangiovese grape, specifically the local Brunello clone, this region's unique terroir of warm, dry climate and well-drained soils imparts richness and complexity to the wines. The hallmark of Brunello is its extended aging, requiring a minimum of four years, with at least two spent in oak barrels. This meticulous process results in bold, full-bodied wines with robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable aging potential. Flavors of ripe red berries and dark cherries, coupled with notes of leather, tobacco, and spices, define the nuanced profile of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Exploring these wines offers enthusiasts a captivating journey into the world of Italian winemaking, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.
VM96pts
Vinous Media
Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino's southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed.
Winery Notes
Rated 95 - Balsamic notes recalling camphor align with aromas of wet earth, underbrush, leather and ripe dark-skinned fruit. The palate has an earthy elegance, offering fleshy Morello cherry, game, truffle and blood orange framed in crushed velvet tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it bright. Drink 2025–2038. - Kerin O’Keefe
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
The Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a dark and savory character with more fruit weight and concentration than you might find in many of its peers. This wine shows a dense center of gravity that is padded with dark cherry, blackberry, toasted spice, mahogany smoked meat and tilled earth. Despite the robust aromas, this Sangiovese is actually quite streamlined and polished in texture. The tannins are soft and veering toward accessibility. This is an ambitious production of 200,000 bottles. The estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was not made in 2018, so fruit from that wine went here instead.
WS94pts
Wine Spectator
The dense structure sets the pace for this red, with cherry, raspberry, mint and tar flavors that are appealing and expressive. Reveals rose hip, orange peel and earth details as this winds down on the long, expansive aftertaste. Built for the long term. Best from 2026 through 2046.
JS94pts
James Suckling
This is a flavorful, layered Brunello with aromas of fresh and sour cherries, plums, bay leaves, rosemary and olives. Cloves and licorice, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Sleek and well-integrated, with a lengthy and deliciously savory finish. Drink from 2023.
JD94pts
Jeb Dunnuck
Layers of black cherry and spice emerge in the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino along with hints of polished leather, sassafras, and cedar. It is medium to full-bodied, though it remains somewhat compact and coiled with tension and energy on the palate, and offers red berries, orange peel, clove, and tightly wound tannins throughout. Give it another couple of years in the cellar and drink 2025-2040.
TWI94pts
The Wine Independent
The Il Poggione estate is in the hotter, south-west part of the Montalcino DOCG. Fabrizio Bindocci was the chief winemaker here for many years and now his son Alessandro fulfills this role, while Fabrizio has become president of the Brunello Consorzio. This 2018 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino has smoky, tarry aromas that I often find on this producer’s wines becoming more like a waxy, lifted note as it opens up and then becomes more oaky. What I like about this Brunello is that there is an intense, nervy, energy to this wine. It is tightly wrought like a coiled spring. The tannins have become much more refined in recent vintages from Il Poggione and in addition there is a kind of lively, energy to this wine.
DC92pts
Decanter
This large and historic property in Montalcino’s southwest draws upon 140 hectares of estate vineyards to deliver a very complete and satisfying Brunello. A smoky introduction leads to leather and tobacco nuances which repeat on the palate. The 2018 is chock full of flavour as cherry and baking spice join in. It feels midweight but there is plenty of stuffing with a vigorous chewiness contributing positively to the gratifying mouthfeel. It will be even better with another year in bottle.
