Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

The 2018 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of Tuscany’s noble Sangiovese, embodying both the tradition and the grandeur that have made Brunello one of the world’s most revered wines. Sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards, planted between 150 and 450 meters above sea level, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Montalcino with remarkable precision. The grapes, hand-harvested with meticulous care, undergo a long, submerged-cap fermentation with indigenous yeasts, a technique that extracts depth, purity, and textural refinement. Following malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is matured for years in large French oak casks before resting further in bottle, a patient process that allows its character to achieve harmony and grace

In the glass, the 2018 Brunello radiates a brilliant ruby red hue, hinting at both vibrancy and longevity. The bouquet is strikingly intense and persistent, unfolding layers of red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries, all laced with delicate floral undertones and whispers of Mediterranean herbs. Subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a faint mineral edge testify to the pedigree of both site and craft. On the palate, the wine is at once powerful and elegant, delivering warm, balanced flavors framed by velvety tannins that glide across the tongue. Its structure is commanding yet refined, leading to a finish of extraordinary length, where fruit and savory nuances linger with seamless integration

The 2018 vintage, shaped by a balanced growing season, gifts this Brunello with both approachability in youth and undeniable potential for cellar aging. While already captivating in its aromatic freshness and supple texture, this wine will continue to evolve gracefully over the next two decades, gaining layers of complexity, earthy depth, and secondary notes that reward the patient collector. It represents not just a bottle of wine but an invitation into the story of Montalcino’s rolling hills, its centuries-old traditions, and the uncompromising pursuit of excellence at Il Poggione.

Pair this Brunello with roasted lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or game dishes to reveal its true gastronomic potential. Mature cheeses, particularly aged pecorino, highlight its savory backbone and lift its red-fruited brightness. Whether savored today for its youthful energy or laid down to reveal its profound maturity, the Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that speaks with authority, finesse, and authenticity—a true ambassador of Tuscany’s greatest terroir, and a must-have for serious wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Alcohol: 14.5%

96 POINTS - "Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed." - Vinous

94 POINTS - "The Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a dark and savory character with more fruit weight and concentration than you might find in many of its peers. This wine shows a dense center of gravity that is padded with dark cherry, blackberry, toasted spice, mahogany smoked meat and tilled earth. Despite the robust aromas, this Sangiovese is actually quite streamlined and polished in texture. The tannins are soft and veering toward accessibility. This is an ambitious production of 200,000 bottles. The estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was not made in 2018, so fruit from that wine went here instead." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

94 POINTS - "This is a flavorful, layered Brunello with aromas of fresh and sour cherries, plums, bay leaves, rosemary and olives. Cloves and licorice, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Sleek and well-integrated, with a lengthy and deliciously savory finish." - James Suckling

94 POINTS - "The dense structure sets the pace for this red, with cherry, raspberry, mint and tar flavors that are appealing and expressive. Reveals rose hip, orange peel and earth details as this winds down on the long, expansive aftertaste. Built for the long term. Best from 2026 through 2046." - Wine Spectator

94 POINTS - "Layers of black cherry and spice emerge in the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino along with hints of polished leather, sassafras, and cedar. It is medium to full-bodied, though it remains somewhat compact and coiled with tension and energy on the palate, and offers red berries, orange peel, clove, and tightly wound tannins throughout. Give it another couple of years in the cellar and drink 2025-2040." - Jeb Dunnuck

92 POINTS - "This large and historic property in Montalcino’s southwest draws upon 140 hectares of estate vineyards to deliver a very complete and satisfying Brunello. A smoky introduction leads to leather and tobacco nuances which repeat on the palate. The 2018 is chock full of flavour as cherry and baking spice join in. It feels midweight but there is plenty of stuffing with a vigorous chewiness contributing positively to the gratifying mouthfeel." - Decanter

Ruby red in colour, with a very intense, persistent nose and with red fruit notes. Warm, balanced flavour with velvet-smooth tannins. Long-lasting aroma.