Brunello Riserva

About 2016  Vinous: “A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient.” - Vinous

About 2015: "This single-vineyard Riserva delivers a generous, abundant and determined personality. This is Brunello with a capital B. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli benefits from a warm and sun-soaked microclimate that is shielded from cold winter winds. You can taste the good health of the grapes thanks to those very direct aromas of black cherry, plum, tar, campfire ash and chalky mineral. The Paganelli vineyard is 12 hectares in size, with vines planted in 1964. The last time this wine was made was in 2012. Fruit from those old vines shape complex aromas, elegant tannins and bright freshness. Despite that handsome DNA, this is another new release from Il Poggione that will require more cellar age. I'd suggest drinking a bottle from this 40,000-bottle release after the 10-year mark." - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

"Blackberry and blueberry aromas with black truffle and lavender that follow through to a full body with a very fine, compact palate of ripe, refined tannins. It is a lovely wine to taste now, but will be even better in a year or two. Excellence here. Drink or hold." - James Suckling

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli Riserva from Il Poggione keeps you at the edge of your seat, with a gorgeous display of herbal-tinged black cherry, sweet white smoke, cedar and cloves. The textures are silky and polished, as this coasts effortlessly across a core of salty minerals and bright acids, taking on a decidedly savory, umami note. There’s simply so much going on and so much to like about the 2015 Riserva, as balsamic spice, hints of wild herbs and tobacco form up toward the close over a coating of classically fine tannin. Tasting the 2015 Riserva, you could easily forget that it hails from a ripe vintage. This needs five or more years to unwind and should then excel for well over a decade in our cellars. Tasted twice and over the course of two days." - Vinous

"This red is subtle and laced with cherry, plum and floral notes, backed by vibrant acidity. Earth and tobacco accents add depth. It took a few moments of aeration to shake off the cobwebs, and this isn't an expressive style, but it has its appeal. Will need time to absorb the substantial tannins. Best from 2025 through 2048." - Wine Spectator

"Deep ruby. Spicy and a little savoury/reductive at first. Concentrated while perfectly balanced and richly tannic. Very youthful and still a little unsettled." - 17+/20 punten, Jancis Robinson over de 2012-vintage

"Vigna Paganelli sits on an alluvial terrace at 200 metres above sea level boasting vines that are now over 50 years old. In 2015, the plot was harvested on 23 September and, as always, was aged in large French oak casks. Expressive scents of dark plum and baking spice emerge swiftly from the glass. This is powerfully fruited, full-figured and expansive. Accents of tar, leather and a pop of scorched orange peel add abundant intrigue. The tannins are smooth but teeth-coating and could do with some time to retreat. This promises much pleasure for years to come. Drinking Window 2024 - 2037" - Decanter