Poggio Antico - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2017

95 Points Wine Enthusiast

Earth and fruit play off of each other on the nose, where first soil and herbs are more present, then cherries and strawberries, finally meeting somewhere in between with dark chocolate and coffee aromas that follow onto the palate. The wine is clearly defined by robust tannins.

94 Points James Suckling

I like the bitter chocolate, oreo and dried earth undertones to the dark cherry and mushroom fruit. Dense and compact, with a full body and firm, chewy tannins. Tannic. Give it a few years to calm down. Try after 2025.

93 Points Wine Spectator

This red strikes a nice balance between ripe cherry and strawberry fruit, a rich texture and a dense yet refined structure. Reveals mineral, eucalyptus and Mediterranean scrub notes as this winds down on the lingering finish. Best from 2025 through 2040.

92 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Packaged with its distinctive black label, the Poggio Antico 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals an accessible or open-knit character that is commonly found in wines from this scorching hot and dry growing season, even in the Riservas that are built for long aging. Despite those aspirations, I would recommend a near or medium-term drinking window for this bold Sangiovese that is laced with ripe cherry, baked plum, balsam herb and cured tobacco. Indeed, very few producers took the courageous decision to produce a Riserva in 2017. The wine shows soft tannins and a note of fruity sweetness on the finish.