Pale ruby-red, with no hint of amber at the rim. Deep, mellow aromas of ripe red cherry, sweet spices and marzipan on the profound nose. Large-scaled, dense and suave, with red cherry and raspberry syrup flavors complicated by cinnamon. Harmonious acidity keeps this big wine vibrant and focused. Finishes long and ripe but energetic, with ultra-smooth tannins and the trace of heat that's typical of many 2007 Brunellos. This may be my favorite example of the vintage--and that wouldn't be the first time for the Poggio di Sotto estate. (ID) 95+

Poggio di Sotto has steadily worked over the years to produce extremely elegant and polished expressions of Brunello that show the best of the local territory. Candied fruit, smoke, light shadings of licorice and tobacco, crushed mineral and white pepper appear on the bouquet. But there's just enough fresh cherry fruit to make your mouth pucker.

Poggio di Sotto's 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is rich, sensual and layered. A voluptuous wine, the 2007 is laced with dark red cherries, flowers, licorice and flowers. The radiant, enveloping style is quite attractive, even at this early stage. A hint of oak suggests one of the casks was newer in this vintage, but hopefully the oak will integrate a little more with further time in bottle. (AG)