1974 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio
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Tasting notes
The 1974 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is redolent of sweet pipe tobacco, dried flowers, mint, brown spices and incense. Medium in body, but with surprising depth for a wine of its vintage and era, the 1974 is a terrific choice for readers looking for a mature Il Poggio to enjoy today. The 1974, from a vintage that is not talked about much today, is a real dark horse.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Rated four star by the consortium of Chianti Classico, the 1974 vintage started off with a cool spring delaying flowering. Summer was very hot and dry, and rains at the beginning of September helped save the vintage by relieving the vines of water stress and retriggering maturation of the grapes. The 1974 Il Poggio was fermented in stainless steel for 18 days and was aged for the first time in Slavonian oak casks for four years. The wine was recorked in 2004. 22,000 bottles produced. Surprisingly concentrated ruby colour for its age. Dusty and a little bit oxidative on the nose, and distinctly sweet on the attack but still quite powerful. Herb liqueur, hints of camphor, meat. Great, tactile, fine tannin and energetic acidity. Vibrant and lively, even if the first signs of oxidation begin to show. Persistent, powdery tannin, but elegance is key. Lots of extract on the finish. (WS)