Very dark in color with a complex nose of Indian tea blackberry licorice and dried flowers. Full-bodied with a wonderfully integrated and polished tannin structure. Caresses every millimeter of the palate. What a joy to taste. No use waiting much. Best after 2010. 1500 cases made. -JS

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a marvelous wine graced with expressive violets black cherries minerals spices and subtle French oak. There is gorgeous clarity to be found in the glass along with a beautiful balance of density and structure. The finish is long vibrant and seductive. This looks to be relatively accessible early based on the sheer seductiveness of the fruit yet the wine has plenty of stuffing to age gracefully for years. It is a beautiful effort from Poggio Antico. The Riserva spent one year in 500-liter French oak barrels followed by two years in Slavonian oak casks. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. -Antonio Galloni