2006 - Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli Riserva, Il Poggione

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is huge, powerful and totally implosive. The seductive allure of the 2007 is nowhere to be found. Instead, the 2006 is built on a serious spine of formidable tannin and dark red/black fruit. Hints of tar, licorice, rose petals and tobacco inform the powerful, virile finish. The 2006 is going to require considerable patience, but it is clearly a jewel of a wine, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046. It’s hard to know where to start with these new releases from Il Poggione, as every wine I tasted was strikingly beautiful. This is a great showing from father and son team Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci. Il Poggione’s Brunello di Montalcino remains one of the most fairly priced, ageworthy wines on the planet. Readers may want to take a look at my video interview with Alessandro Bindocci posted on www.erobertparker.com for more on Il Poggione. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is intense, with a burst of crushed ashen stones, fall leaves and freshly turned rich soil adding mature, savory depths to notes of balsamic black cherry as a hint of mint lifts the experience. This possesses a gorgeous inner sweetness complemented by a core of vibrant acidity as red and black fruits wash across the palate and a sharp twang of citrus adds contrast toward the close. This leaves echoes of balsamic spice and tart raspberry candies while finishing with adolescent tannins that are long and remarkably fresh. Make sure to give the Riserva some time after opening as its bouquet comes together beautifully over the course of an hour.