Top of the Vintage

My readers surely will recall my opinion here regarding the 2006 vintage for Brunello being the better overall vintage compared to 2007.   That said, 2007 produced some great wines and although stylistically different, many are nearly as good as their 2006 counterparts.   This latest example is no exception and in fact, it's the best 2007 I've tried to date. 

The 2007 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino is a soulful, pure expression of Sangiovese.  The wine was decanted 45 minutes and taken to a BYO restaurant.  In the glass, the brightly colored deep garnet red wine has vibrant violet reflections.  The nose is perfumed, with lavendar, leather, berries and earth.  It's remarkable to smell.  It's hard to describe how pleasant it is.  But I notice one thing - with wines like this - I get a sense of disappointment having finished them, because although they taste delicious, you can no longer smell them when they're gone.  Enjoying one aspect leads to destroying another...  

In the mouth, the wine is alive, juicy and exuberant. It dances lively.  Crushed berries, espresso, cedar, dried herbs - all make appearances in a sparkling sort of way.  The refreshing acidity provides structure and the tannins are there - but they are softer and well integrated. Again, a nod to the vintage typicity.  Of all the 2007's I've had, this is the first that I've considered getting more of.  It won't cellar forever, but it'll last 7-10 years easily and provide intellectual as well as tactile enjoyment.  94 points.  About $50.

Poggio Antico Brunello - 2007.  Wonderfully aromatic

Ciao ciao!