The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is developing beautifully. Whereas the 2006 possesses considerable power, the 2004 is all about grace and refinement. The wine literally floats on the palate with silky red berries, flowers, licorice and spices. A bright, salivating finish gives the 2004 its sense of proportion. This is another stunningly beautiful Brunello from Col d’Orcia that promises to drink well for many, many years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2044. Count Francesco Marone Cinzano is soft-spoken and reserved. He is also one of the most driven of Montalcino’s large landowners. A quiet, non-publicized conversion to biodynamic farming that has been underway for several years is typical of the way things are done at Col d’Orcia. Cinzano’s right-hand man, estate manager Edoardo Virano, has worked at Col d’Orcia since 1977 and has an intimate level of knowledge of the property and its history that is second to none. Col D’Orcia makes a wide range of wines, although it is the Brunelli that stand out most. In a typical vintage the Brunelli can be enjoyed a few years after release, but history continues to teach me that they bloom most fully between ages 20-30. Luckily, the estate has an extensive library of older wines that are re-released with some frequency, which gives consumers the opportunity to taste older vintages with perfect provenance, something I have been able to do on a few occasions. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview with Francesco Marone Cinzano as well as my article on a handful of older Col d’Orcia’s library wines, both posted on www.erobertparker.com Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Beginning to show the mellow cherry, mushroom, cigar box and complex spice aromas and flavors that mature Brunello is known for. Still needs time for the dense tannins to assimilate, and the finish is long. Best from 2015 through 2032. 2,000 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add