2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento

Pulling yourself away from a glass of 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Al Vento Riserva is an exercise in futility. It wafts up with a heady bouquet of dried cherries and clove complemented by brown spices, worn leather, tobacco and the slightest hint of mocha. There are silken depths here, ushering in intense, tart red currants, motivated by stimulating acidity, as saline-minerals and a burst of sour citrus provides lovely contrasts. It leaves a potent and persistent staining of primary fruit and sweet tannins, all under rosy inner florals and earth tones. Judged by the bright ruby color alone, you’d never guess this was a twenty-year-old wine, yet what you find within tempts the imagination even more. The 2001 Riserva has many years of evolution in store.

The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is all nuance and class. Delicate scents of tobacco, crushed berries, dried flowers and spices are woven together in a perfumed Brunello that emphasizes elegance over sheer power. In 2001 the crop was reduced by 50% because of hail damage. Today 2001 looks to be a relatively early maturing vintage for the Riserva.

The estate's 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is a gorgeous, layered wine that reveals nuances of menthol, licorice, sweet spices, leather and plums, all of which meld together in a Brunello of remarkable balance. The wine's ripeness and structure insure it will last for many a year to come. In fact, the tannins may well outlast the fruit. In the meantime there is much to admire here, starting with an impeccable, long finish that begs for a second taste.