Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino 2012

Tasting Notes

Poggio di Sotto has solidified its reputation as a top estate in the appellation. Mr. Claudia Tipa, the current owner, made a fantastic acquisition when he purchased this gem not too long ago. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino does the denomination proud with a very special and unique set of aromatic characteristics. It's hard to wrap your head around the wine's complexity when you first approach the glass. I'm going to throw out a lot of descriptors that resonated with me including wild berry, underbrush, eucalyptus, dried ginger, cola, tobacco and cured meat. I'm a huge fan of those balsam-like nuances. The wine opens to medium consistency with luminous ruby-colored highlights. The mouthfeel is as smooth as silk sheets. I love this wine but am definitely less enamored by the steep price point. 95, Monica Larner

Lovely vivid red color. Explosive aromas of red cherry, peach eau-de-vie, cinnamon, fresh herbs and blood orange. Bright, dense and juicy, with lively red cherry and strawberry flavors supported by a strong mineral underpinning. Finishes long and very clean, with lingering floral echoes. Ever since owner Claudio Tipa expanded his vineyard holdings at Poggio di Sotto, there have been concerns that this wine's quality may suffer in the process but Brunello lovers need have no worries with this beauty, an early candidate for best wine of the vintage. 94+, Ian D'Agata