#4 Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 edition - 2010 vintage)
96+Points by Vinous.
Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed. The estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was not made in 2018, so fruit from that wine went here instead.
 
Italy's first DOCG in July 1980, alongside Piedmont's Barolo.
Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, located about 80 km south of Florence, in the Tuscan wine region.
Aging
Brunello: 4-2-4
Brunello Riserva: 5-2-6
Brunello (annata): minimum 4 years of aging, including at least 2 years in wood and at least 4 months in bottle; it can be released starting January 1 of the 5th year after harvest.
Brunello Riserva: minimum 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in wood and at least 6 months in bottle; release is January 1 of the 6th year after harvest.
Sangiovese Grosso or Prugnolo Gentile (locally Brunello): Noted for having thicker-skinned berries, and because of this, Brunello produces wines with exceptionally bold fruit flavors, high tannin, and high acidity.
 
History of Tenuta Il Poggione
The estate was founded in the late 19th Century by Lavinio Franceschi, a landowner on the hills above Florence, who bought land and began planting Sangiovese vineyards and introducing modern farming methods. Known for its rich, dense Brunello wines balancing ripe fruit, savoury elements and a classic structure. These are considered to be some of the greatest wines produced in Italy.
Il Poggione remains in the same family. Today it is owned by Lavinio's descendents, Leopoldo and Livia.