2020 Brunello di Montalcino

Il Poggione never ceases to amaze with its blend of consistency, dependability, remarkable quality and complexity from vintage to vintage. The 2020 is no different. Alessandro Bindocci described 2020 as a very warm season but not as dry as recent years, with an extended cooldown ahead of harvest that helped retain freshness in the finished wine. Harvest began on September 20 and lasted through the October 20, which is impressive by recent standards. It goes without saying that they achieved remarkable balance from this warm year. The 2020 is a more immediate style—bright and punchy. Still, considering that the typical Il Poggione Brunello takes 10 to 15 years even to begin to enter its window of maturity, I welcome this edition. As for the 2019 Riserva Vigna Paganelli, it’s a perfect example of a Riserva that delivers all of the added depth and regal structure that is often missing from this category. Bury this beautiful beast in a deep, dark corner of your cellar—it’s money in the bank.