The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is rich, powerful and explosive. Dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol and a host of balsamic, mentholated notes flesh out in the glass. As is often the case with the Poggio di Sotto wines, the Riserva has noticeable volatile acidity, but here, is a thread in a very rich fabric with many, many strands. In 2010, the Poggio di Sotto Riserva is unusually dense and virile. It will be interesting to see if it gains a bit more finesse over time. Feb 2016

Shows superb complexity in terms of aromas with cedar, berry, ginger, flower and plum character. Full body and firm and very silky tannins that have been polished to near perfection. This wine just gets better and better with each sip. Better in 2018. Nov 2016

Almost the same color as the Rosso from 2010, the 2010 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva delivers aromas of pure red cherries, eau de vie, and iron-rich earth. Mouthwatering and saline, with a sanguine texture and notes of dried orange and raspberry fruit, it lasts for ages and floats off the palate, with its tannins becoming finer on the finish.

Poggio di Sotto has released one of the wines of the vintage. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva fulfills the promise of its category. Brunello Riservas are aged for six long years before their release, thus insuring extra intensity and complexity. This wine delivers both in abundance. The bouquet is more sophisticated and deeper than the Annata and in addition to dark fruit and blackberry, this wine shows an extra dose of clove and spice. In the mouth, the wine is smooth and silky, but it also shows impressive power and length. This Riserva will deliver its best performance for those who are willing to wait ten years or more.

Initially shows acetone aromas, then opens up to reveal complex flavors of sour cherry, spice and leather matched to a racy, elegant profile. Silky in texture and almost ethereal, with a long, minerally aftertaste. BS

Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange rim. Ethereal cherry nose. Super-elegant, fragrant, linear and fine. Transparent and long and not for those who look for power. Very different from its peers. (WS)