July 6, 2022 - i found this surmature, having almost an amarone quality to it, however others at the table did not entirely agree
February 14, 2020 - Dark strawberries, spice, florals, some leather and a sense stoniness on the nose. On the palate, it's mid plus weighted and beautifully balanced with a sense of breadth and sap coupled with a gracefulness , all in a power without weight mode. While this still has plenty of time in hand, everything seems about right right now. Some leather notes on the back end add to the beautifully mature fruit and savory notes. Drinking in a great spot right now.
November 8, 2019 - A ruby core with bricking leading to a tawny meniscus. There's a depth on the nose that leads with leather, tobacco, old church pew, dried red fruits. The palate leads with bright red fruit and into a long rustic finish. This is in such a lovely place now that I can't imagine it getting any better. The tannin has softened, yet still provides enough structure and tension with the acidity that I can't quite wrap my head around how it can be so silky and have this kind of tension. It's really wild...if I had more of this, I'd have a very hard time keeping my hands off it. This may very well have been the best Brunello I've ever had, Extraordinary!!
December 24, 2017 - This wine is in excellent shape right now. It needed quite a bit of time to open up.
The initial earthy barnyard notes settled down after 4 hours of slow-ox. During dinner (6 hours after opening the bottle) the wine realy started to sing and showed one of the greatest aged Brunello I’ve had.
Beautiful perfumes of berry fruit, leather and sweet tobacco evolving with earthy & spicy notes and showing hints of laurel. Silky and layered sweet fruit on the palate with some refined remaining tannins balanced with a hint of fresh acidity. Following through to a very long and fresh finish that seems to last for ever.
This was my last bottle of this vintage from Poggio di Sotto. It’s a shame that I don’t have any left but I’m glad this last one was such a grest showing.
Interesting side notes:
The Valdicava ‘01 that we had the same night was nice as well but almost boring in comparison.
Based on my limited sample I think that ‘99 will prove to be the better vintage for the long term ageing Brunelli.
June 1, 2017 - Tonight the '99 Poggio di Sotto Brunello presented a slightly darker and richer experience than in the past, yet just as enjoyable. The nose was earthy and mature with a smoky element to it's dark red berry and dried floral bouquet. On the palate, the fruit had an almost Pinot Noir like sweetness and roundness as silky textures enveloped the senses with dark red fruits, sweet spices, tobacco and notes of dark chocolate. It was wonderfully refined and perfectly mature with a long, soft finish. I would say this is a good representation of a typical 1999 Brunello, but it sure is gorgeous.
March 11, 2017 - This was a wonderful bottle of aged Brunello, and paired perfectly with the osso bucco. Second of three bottles purchased at the winery many years ago. Fully developed, with earth, mushrooms, slight soy note, a silky texture and a long finish. The only nit was a very slight bit of heat, a minor quibble. I'm not sure this will get better (though that's just a guess), but it seems capable of holding nicely for another 5-10 years.
December 6, 2016 - The nose was incredibly rich yet lifted with smoky black cherry, sweat brown spices, new leather, dark chocolate, savory herbs, and mint. On the palate, it was silky smooth as it glided across the senses, contrasted by crunchy red berry fruits, rich savory tones, exotic spices, and a twang of bitter herbs. It finished rich and saturating to the palate. It was impeccably balanced and showing potential for further development.
September 26, 2015 - Bricking is eating around 1cm inform the rim. The nose is gorgeous, all leather, raw tobacco and earthiness. There's still plenty of acidity and a little fine tannin still remains, long finish, delicious wine
June 28, 2014 - Wow! Everything you want in a Brunello. The nose took us back to Tuscany: deep and earthy. As smooth in taste as the delightful memories.
November 23, 2013 - Versione di gran fascino e di grande adesione territoriale.
Naso autunnale, bocca polposa e profonda con evidenti richiami minerali che ben si espande lasciando una sfumata dolcezza.