The 2017 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany, Italy. This vintage has garnered widespread acclaim from wine critics, reflecting its quality and appeal.
James Suckling awarded it an excellent score of 95, describing it as "a creamy, ripe-tannined red with chocolate, berry, light vanilla and cappuccino character and a solid core of fruit and polished tannins." Suckling further notes that it is "full-bodied and well crafted," advising that the wine will reach its peak after 2022 ("jamessuckling.com").
Wine Spectator also rated this wine highly with a score of 95, highlighting its "alluring array of blackberry, black cherry and violet aromas" and its "supple, elegant" nature. They emphasize the presence of "spice, mineral and tobacco elements" and commend its "pure fruit" and "terrific harmony and length." The magazine suggests that the wine is best enjoyed from 2022 through 2040, and notes that 2,200 cases were produced, with 600 cases imported ("Wine Spectator").
Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave the 2017 Il Carbonaione a score of 93+, praising it as "a very beautiful and expressive wine" that is "quite ripe and forward." Galloni mentions that the wine's mid-weight structure will likely lead to a faster maturation compared to other vintages, recommending taking advantage of this characteristic. He describes the finish as having notes of "sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, game and licorice" ("Vinous").
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 92, noting that it is a "sultry and rich wine from a hot vintage." Reviewer ML comments on the wine's dark and ripe fruit, with additional concentration due to the dry summer conditions. The wine features "lighter touches of baked terracotta, toasted spice and iron ore," and a surprising "floral tone of violet and dried lavender" on the close ("Robert Parker's Wine Advocate").
Decanter also gave it a score of 92 and provided some background on the wine, noting that the vineyard is owned by renowned oenologist Vittorio Fiore. The vineyard's old vines, planted on a steep terraced hillside in Ruffoli, contribute to the wine's character. Decanter describes the wine as "fruit-laden but pure," with notes of "dark cherry, lavender and violet," complemented by "hints of tar," "juicy citrus," and "velvety tannins" ("Decanter").
Overall, the 2017 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a well-crafted and expressive Sangiovese that promises to develop further with age.