2003 Poggio Antico, Brunello di Montalcino 1x3L

Vinous 87+

Good bright, dark red. Reticent nose hints at red fruits and oak, with nuances of fresh mint and sage coming up with air. Quite tight, even austere, in the mouth, without the flesh or sweetness often shown by this wine in the early going. Very inexpressive today. The tannins build and coat the front teeth, leaving a distinctly dry impression. This may yet repay cellaring, but today it’s tough going. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/07/2008]

Robert Parker 89

Poggio Antico’s 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is the more classic of the two Brunellos. It reveals a pretty, accessible expression of earthiness, tobacco and ripe red fruit with lovely density and purity. The tannins are particularly finessed within the context of the vintage yet the wine comes across as more tightly wound than is normally the case. On the plus side, a lingering note of sweetness from the oak frames the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. [04/01/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016