Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio All'Oro 2016  £153.00

Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio All'Oro 2016

A Banfi family jewel, Brunello Poggio all'Oro is produced exclusively in the great vintages.

From a vineyard characterised by a large plateau on which the soils develop on brown clay silt sediments with stones and pebbles of different nature, of calcareous origin, well structured and well-draining.

The mild winter, with regular rainfall, encouraged an early bud break. The spring was rather wet with a drop in temperatures at the end of April, which slowed down the growth cycle, bringing it back to normal. From mid-June, and throughout the month of July, there was a gradual rise in temperatures.  In August, the excellent temperature range and sporadic rain allowed for the perfect ripening of the grapes. In September, the temperatures were quite high with an excellent temperature range.  Midmonth, a few days of abundant rain risked compromising the harvest, but the sudden weather improvement of the following days, the technical and cultivation interventions carried out in the vineyards and the careful selection of the grapes, both in the vineyard and in the winery, enabled to harvest the Sangiovese at its best expression.

After harvest the wine is fermented in a unique hybrid French oak and stainless steel tank system pioneered by Banfi themselves.   It is then aged for at least 30 months ins a combination of 80% large French oak and 20% small French oak barrels.

A rich and elegant Riserva with a unique balance. Intense ruby red colour, the aromatic profile is sweet and complex with notes of blackberry jam, tobacco, cocoa and balsamic hints on the finish. The structure is well-balanced by a decisive acidity and well-integrated tannins. Absolute pleasantness in the finish. It is perfectly suited to long ageing.

Pairs perfectly with rich and complex dishes. 

96+ Points Rober Parker

Here is Castello Banfi's top-shelf wine from an iconic vintage. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio all'Oro shows a dark ruby or garnet appearance. The wine is impeccably balanced, aromatic and powerful all at the same time. The bouquet presents etched aromas of wild berry fruit and cherry, and there is a good amount of earth, wild rose and grilled herb. The wine is broad and long-lasting on the palate (with 15.5% alcohol) for safekeeping in your cellar. Exactly 15,976 bottles were released.

Monica Larner