Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli, Tenuta Il Poggione 2012

Only produced in the best vintages, Vigna Paganelli is a 12ha single vineyard planted in 1964. It represents the estate's oldest vines, which serve as a source for clonal material for new plantings. The nose seduces with exotic spice, rosemary, pepper and tobacco. Though all the elements are deftly balanced, the palate is still somewhat austere, locked in a firm, tannic grip. Lingering leather and dark cherry notes promise more to come, and this demands ageing. Drinking window 2023-2039.

Here's a beautifully rich and succulent Brunello that drinks very nicely straight out of the gate. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli delivers a warm, inviting and velvety presentation. This bold wine is redolent of black cherry and dried blackberry with sweet almond, toasted spice and balsam herb on the long finish. What stands out most, however, is the wine's rich texture that floods the mouth from front to back. That richness is fueled by the warmth of the vintage but also by the magnificent oak integration. This Riserva is aged in botti grandi for four long years. Bottle production is 45,000 strong. Drink 2020-2035.

Big, but polished, this full-bodied wine offers subtle, alluring aromas of baked plum, fragrant blue flower and pipe tobacco. The succulent, chewy palate brings juicy Morello cherry, raspberry jam and licorice tones framed in firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2020–2030.