The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Banale is terrific in this vintage. A melange of dark cherries, tobacco, smoke and incense emerges from this dark, muscular 2005. There is plenty of depth in the glass. Elements of unrestrained Sangiovese wildness run through the 2005, but the wine nevertheless convinces for its intensity and sheer personality. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Attractive for the layers of blackberry and tea aromas and flavors. Subtle and captivating. Full and silky-textured. Very pretty and enjoyable. Drink now. 665 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Smoke, tar, incense, new leather, flowers, mineral and plums are some of the aromas that waft from the glass in La Poderina’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Banale. This is a decidedly powerful, intense Brunello built on a solid core of black fruit. The French oak is very much present here, but the wine appears to have plenty of stuffing to match. The 2004 Poggio Banale remains an infant in need of quite a bit of further cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200