Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2013 (750ML)

96 WA / 96 VM / 96 WE / 93 JS / 17 JR

This is Col d'Orcia's top-shelf wine that was skipped over in the difficult 2014 vintage. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento sets this venerable Riserva program squarely back on track thanks to its balanced intensity and classic lines. Like in the other Sangiovese-based wines from this historic Montalcino estate, this wine is distinguished by those estate-specific savory and sanguine notes that recall rusty nail or iron, all followed by balsam herb, powdered licorice and even a touch of eucalyptus oil. The wine's texture is medium in weight and ultimately this expression is more buoyant in mouthfeel than you might initially expect of a wine that has aged for this long. Some 15,500 bottles will be released in January 2020. Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is coy at first, brooding, with dark dusty florals, exotic spices and a hint of brown sugar; yet time in the glass allows it to blossom and show its inner beauty, as wave after wave of crushed strawberry, cherry and sweet violets lifts from the glass. On the palate, soft textures envelop the senses in sweet and savory red berry fruits, so silky and refined, as it seems to hover weightlessly, while saline minerals and youthful tannins begin to saturate all that they touch. The finish is long and structured, closing in upon itself, tugging at the cheek and reminding me that this wine is just a baby today. Simply stunning, yet in need of five to ten years of cellaring to show its best. Wow. EG – Vinous Media
-- Eric Guido

Aromas of underbrush, wild berry, leather, camphor and Mediterranean herb waft out of the glass. The full-bodied palate is still young and primary but shows great aging potential, delivering juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco set against firm tannins while bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2023–2043. Kerin O’Keefe 0 Wine Enthusiast

This shows ripeness and richness of fruit. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and a savory finish. Verges on jammy, yet there’s tension and freshness with orange-peel and floral undertones. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. - James Suckling

Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Minerally nose and soft, zesty, lively fruit. Great depth and length and with delicious, chewy tannins. - Jancis Robinson