MCF Rare Wine Ltd.
 

 
Il Poggione Brunello 2012

I could probably put together a nice, rambling piece about Il Poggione -- the most consistently excellent and under-valued producer in Montalcino -- but judging by the response I get whenever I offer it, most of you feel exactly the same as I do.

The 2012 vintage was challenging for sure, but in the end, it seems to show more promise than the 2011 in terms of longevity and overall quality.

And I think the 2011s were perfectly lovely, so that means a lot.  

Where the 2011s had an easy and friendly disposition, the 2012 will have more backbone and acidity, so, while these probably won't be competing with the 2010s for grand old age, they'll definitely be happy to sit in your cellar for a nice stint.

For 2012, the fruit is red and pure, with all the iron-y, meaty Brunello notes that you could ask for, but there will be a lot more complexity to discover as the rather firm tannins unwind over the coming years.

It's not this way with all producers, but for Poggione, you can definitely use the 'as-goes-the-rosso' formula -- i.e. if the Rosso is good, the Brunello will be as well.

The 2012 Rosso is pretty delicious.

Wine critic Antonio Galloni of Vinous has heaped plenty of praise on Poggione over the years, but these two quotes really sum it up the best (and I agree wholeheartedly with both) --

 --  'There are two Brunellos I would buy confidently in any vintage. This is one of them.'

 -- 'In my opinion, Il Poggione's straight Brunello di Montalcino is the single greatest, cellar-worthy, Old World red for the money.'

So, here we have the 2012 Brunello at my en primeur, very-best-possible pricing.

The vintage output was down for 2012, but I'm happy to say I have very good quantity available as of right now.

Please note, this wine is scheduled to be released from the estate in February/March, so you can expect a Spring 2017 arrival. 

This exceptional pre-sale pricing is only good through the end of 2016.