March 31, 2024 - Brunellos made 50 years ago had one top of the line producer -- Biondi Santi and 2 second level -- Costanti and Barbi Reservas. Never tasted a Biondi-Santi . 68 Barbi Reserva and 70 Costanti Reserva were superb. This last bottle of a case of 6 was in the same class as the Costanti and Barbi. Perfect elegance, austere, not over-extracted. Dionysus smiled tonight.
December 29, 2023 - Corked
December 17, 2023 - 19 mo. after previous note. Evolution. That unmistakeable taste of the beginning of decline of a Sangiovese grosso / Sangiovese is new. A wonderful, unique gentle sweetness. Only on the edges but clear and does not disappear. If you do not recognize it you may miss it. Whispers rather than shouts. Will enjoy my last bottle soon. Could deviate from the progression of the latest two. I learn from every turn.
September 1, 2022 - Absolutely stunning tonight and once again outclassed the 2004 al vento and even the 04 fuligni riserva. Perhaps it’s because this is my last bottle of a 6 pack I bought years ago that made it so special. As to how il poggione was able to achieve this classic balanced brunello from this vintage, who knows but bravo!
May 22, 2022 - In an absolutely perfect place. The taste is fully mature and wonderful. Brunello at its best. This bottle tells me to drink the remaining ones soon. No need to wait any longer unless you want to watch it fade. And there is no need to rush. No sign of taste losing its clarity. This is everything expected in a mature Brunello. An elegant Italian soprano Diva aria -- Renata Tebaldi.
Superb with roasted rack of lamb, fingerling potatoes and local asparagus. SO Yemen espresso (delicate chocolate earthiness) and Remy Martin XO Excellence (deep and nutty).
February 20, 2022 - Incredible ruby color. There is a lot of life left in this bottle. It smells of blackberries and has floral notes. An outstanding wine.
July 9, 2021 - Beginning to show its legs. Most bottles have sediment. Wine does not stay clear. Fruit on the downslope.
March 3, 2021 - Dark garnet colour with dark fruit notes, full-bodied but with acidity, some bottles had flaky sediment
December 29, 2020 - Moderately deep ruby color with a thin amber ring and broad clear meniscus.
Nose is moderately light with green stem at the base and dried red berry notes.
Acidity remains moderately bright and tannins are fine and still mouth drying.
Palate reflects the nose with an earthy influence...milk chocolate, baked cherry, leather, duff.
Acidity and tannins suggest more cellar time, but I estimate the fruit and tertiary flavors won't improve with time. Drink up.
September 20, 2020 - Deep rich great fruit. Awesome finish.