Raising the Bar: Tenuta Il Poggione

I've recently written with high praise for the 2012 vintage of Rosso di Montalcino; and specifically about Talenti and Il Poggione.  So I shouldn't have been surprised when I uncorked a special bottling of Rosso di Montalcino from the latter producer; but I was.  Never mind that the simple existence of the bottle in the first place should have hinted at something special.  Perhaps I was too focused on the Oscars?  Nah, that's not it.  Nevertheless,  just when I thought the bar couldn't get higher.  

~ The foil:  Pan Seared & Roasted Pork Chops over Sauteed Garlic Spinach ~

The 2012 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino "Leopoldo Franceschi"  is the best Rosso di Montalcino I have ever enjoyed.  Period.  

We did not decant the wine,  but as you can see from the picture below,  we opened it in advance of dinner and lazily enjoyed with some cured soppresatta,  crusty ciabatta, and aged Pecorino from Pienza.  In the glass, the wine has a seamless, profound bouquet of aromas.  Crushed, dark, wild berry fruit,  freshly cut flowers, soft new suede, richly roasted espresso, and a powdery cinnamon spice are harmonic.  

On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant.  There's a full bodied core of ripe cherry fruit that flashes lithely over the palate but seems to hang their with graceful thickness.  Pipe tobacco, mocha, mineral and sweet anise seed complete the package of this compelling Sangiovese.  It is easily better than many Brunello I have tasted in my lifetime.  Of course, the only downside is that this won't be too easy to find.  As you might expect from a specially bottled cuvee of grapes,  the production is small:  4,000 bottles.  But I promise you, it'll be worth the search.  95 points.  Approximate retail,  $50.

~ Another gem from Winemaker Alessandro Bindocci ~

 E vero!