 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Poggio all'Oro 1999 | 1997 | 1995 | 1993 | 1990 | 1988 | 1985 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
"a wine of legendary stature"
...In fact, my top-rated wine of the entire 100+ bottle release today is Italian - the 1999 Banfi Poggio All'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - which is drop-dead amazing with layer after layer of lush violet-scented black cherry, licorice and bitter-sweet chocolate.
"…it's hard to find anything better than the 1999 Castello Banfi Poggio All'Oro, a super-premium reserve red produced only in vintage years that the winery deems perfect. The Poggio deserves to be enjoyed with lamb or beef."
“Made only in outstanding vintages, is rich, concentrated, minerally and showing extremely well.”
“Complex nose, full of nuanced spiciness and ripe little red berries, both opulent and elegant, and wonderfully balanced.” Ranked 15 among the top 100 wines. 93
“Banfi in Old Brookville brings you the sumptuous 1999 Castello Banfi Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino. This ruby-hued Riserva is a jewel, full of rich fruit and a hint of violet, with cherry, berry and plum flavors. The single-vineyard Brunello's source, ‘Poggio all'Oro,’ means ‘hill of gold.’ The 1999 vintage: 24-karat.”
* * *
5 grappoli
“Intense aromas of smoke and coffee open to layers of beautiful, pure fruit. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins.” Top Wines 96
“This potent Brunello has the dark soil scent of a freshly dug truffle. Any more direct fruitiness is subdued beneath the generous richness of texture and the quiet intensity of the structure. Immediately delicious with a steak smothered in blue cheese, this also has more than enough staying power to reward a decade in the cellar.” 94
“Smooth and lush, with a ton of berry, cherry and smoke character. Supremely ripe and full, with chocolate and spice mixed into the prime cherry/berry palate. This is a wine for anyone who simply loves wine, maybe it isn’t ultra-complex but there’s no arguing about its polish and style. Its incredibly round and likable.” Cellar Selection 94
“The best of the 1999 Riservas are stunning wines of great length and balance; for me the three finest were the Banfi "Poggio all'Oro," . . . the Banfi has beautifully integrated oak and great persistence of fruit…”
“Intense aromas of smoke and coffee open to layers of beautiful, pure fruit. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins. Absolutely gorgeous. A replay of the 1997. I love it. Drink now through 2015.” 96
“. . .this 1997 is as intense a wine as you will find. . . This wine pairs well with grilled red meats and aged cheeses. This wine is intense ruby red with garnet reflections, which show after long aging.”
“The progressive American owners of Castello Banfi have spread new ideas regarding clonal selection and vinification techniques. Their Poggio All'Oro is intense, but not over-concentrated with spiky tannins, evolving to a subtle rich finish. It's an iron grip within a velvet glove.”
“The wine has earth and leather aromas along with berry fruit. Despite its age this wine seems to be just coming into its own and should age for 20 years.”
“Showing every bit as well as it did when it was first released, this full-bodied, deep royal purple wine is as powerful, firm and muscular as could be desired, and yet tannins are well in balance with wood, minerals and fruits. Look for aromas and flavors of dark plums, black cherries, freshly picked mushrooms and roasted nuts. Approachable but best from 2006 and then cellar comfortably until 2020, perhaps longer.” 95
“. . .it shows the greatest intensity and power. A huge core of blueberry, blackcurrant fruit compliments the more obvious oak (it spent six months longer in barrel than the alle Mura) and powdery tannins. Again, the palate is fairly tight, but the fruit is so beautifully textured and so well-balanced that it is easy to down glassful after glassful of this (as is often the case with expensive wines), with or without food. Classically elegant and refined structure, this really is super Brunello. Worth every cent.”
"Impenetrable black cherry ruby with dark highlights. The bouquet is rich, with powerful cherry and forest berry fruit overlain by berry fruit jam that confers added richness, and supported by both underbrush and hints of green leather; there are also some sour notes that provide direction and definition. Quite nice, though it gives an impression of being in mid-stride. On the palate it’s full and quite rich, with abundant cherry currant fruit that has slight plum (not prune, but succulent sweet ripe red plum) overtones and is supported by ample tannins that work from behind the scenes, allowing the fruit to do the talking, and lead into a clean red berry fruit finish that’s quite long, and gains definition from a deft tannic underpinning. Impressive, and has grown with respect to when I tasted it last year, but has yet to settle—one could drink it now, but those with the patience to wait even a couple of years will be richly rewarded. It begs the classic meats of a big red wine: Steak, hearty stews including game, and, because if the richness of the fruit, will also be an interesting choice for a rich boiled dinner of the sort they serve in Piemonte in the relatively short (5-10 years) term." *** 93
". . .equaled the score for the best wine of the year (Poggio Alle Mura 1997). This wine was a deep red, with deep dense fruit aromas, toast, anise, blackberries, and plums on the palate, dense textures, and sumptuous flavors on a multi-layered wine that seemed to persist for hours."
"Rich red fruits, licorice and violet; firm tannins on a very long finish. Game meats with rich brown sauces. Can serve now, but will improve with age."
"Dark and dense, with rich berry fruit, excellent structure, and a long, layered finish."
5 Grappoli
5 Bottles
"Inky black hue. Reserved aromas of ripe date, coconut, redwood and a rosewater nuance. Layers of balanced, chalky flavors defined by blackberry, black cherry, charred oak, coffee and black pepper. Lingering finish marked by clove and coffee." 95
" Fleshy and rich, this is a supple, intensely flavored Brunello, with excellent flavor and length. Complex character (berries, vanilla, tobacco, toast, pepper and baked cherry); long, mildly tannic finish." (2006-2010) * * * *
"Full bright ruby. Cherry liqueur, coffee and exotic wood smoke on the super ripe nose. Big and chewy on the palate; a broad, oaky wine with a strong impression of extract and plenty of personality. Flavors of crystallized red berries, coffee and mocha. Finishes with huge tannins that avoid dryness. Very true to the vintage." 91
"...The ’97 all’Oro is to die for, intense, deep ruby color in the glass showing fine legs. The nose is all deep berry, hinting of vanilla and chocolate. Very supple on the palate, smooth, ripe, integrated tannins in a huge explosion of fruit. Complex lengthy finish."
"A wonderful wine that will probably get more stars as it matures." ****
"Rich and ripe, with juicy black cherry, notes of mineral and spice. Very limited availability."
"Blockbuster. Incredibly intense black cherry aromas, with hints of mint and red licorice. It soon turns to flowers. Full-bodied and full-throttled, with masses of tannins and concentrated fruit. Very extracted. Needs time still. Best after 2006. " 96
"Sweet toasty oak and black fruit nose. Very concentrated black fruit flavors, with vanilla and sweet oak accents." 95-97
" Impenetrable black cherry ruby with cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is bright and youthful, with rich slightly sour cherry fruit laced with a certain airiness and hints of bramble that add grace. By comparison with the 90 it’s zestier, and has a captivating brashness that brings a tomboy to mind—this isn’t what one normally expects from a Brunello Riserva, but it is quite nice, and the wine obviously still has a long way to go. On the palate it’s full and rich, with pleasing cherry fruit laced with black currant overtones, and supported by sweet tannins that have a slight burr to them—again, youthful—it all flows into a clean fruit-laced finish that’s quite long. Deft, graceful, and extremely accessible; though it will develop very nicely with time its freshness is also quite nice, and to be frank I would not regret opening a bottle now if I had more than one. What with? It’s obvious, but a porterhouse cut comes to mind." **
"Unfiltered garnet hue. Complex, evolved scents of cherry, citrus peel, tar, earth and tobacco. Spicy, tart acidity frames lively flavors of wild cherry, strawberry, cedar and black coffee. Lengthy close displays an anise warmth." 89
"As fragrant as a really good cup of espresso, this is deep, dark-roast red wine, brimming with roast plum, burnt cherry and coffee bean flavors that manage somehow to be lively and fresh at the same time. It's an impressive result from a vintage that alternated rain with intense heat, delivering a beauty for the ages." 92
"Black almandine ruby with some brick at the rim... the bouquet is elegant and quite deft, with tart cherries that mingle with saddle leather, tar, and dried flowers, with the underlying delicate acidity that provides definition, and slight vanilla to give depth. Something to sniff for days. On the palate it's delicate, privileging finesse over power, with pleasing rich cherry and forest berry fruit supported by smooth tannins that have a youthful angular burr that leads into a clean, very long cherry finish that gains tannic support from wood." *** 93
"Brilliant ruby red hue. Intense aromas of coffee, cedar, cherry and rosemary. Full-bodied palate with very impressive concentration and a lengthy finish that offers persistent fruit and well-integrated tannins and oak. A ripe and classic Brunello that will benefit from further bottle age." 92 Exceptional
"...the best Brunello we've tasted from Banfi: very supple and complex, with intense fruit character and good balance. It tastes of oak, roasted nut, blackberry, plum, vanilla, and caramel." ***** Exceptional
"Ruby red, aroma of coffee, cedar, cherry, tobacco, rosemary. Full-body with excellent concentration and rich mouthfeel. Long, long finish with well-integrated oak and tannins. Lovely acidity." *****
" The 1995 Poggio Brunello di Montalcino should be laid down for at least another decade, probably 15 years is more like it. It's so rich even now that it's a treasure." ***** Highest Recommendation
"The astute wine consumer should always hesitate and ask a few basic questions before paying more than $100 for a bottle of wine. Does it have the structure and depth to improve with age? Is it truly rare? Will it provide a tasting experience worthy of the price? Banfi's '95 Poggio all'Oro is yes on all counts. This powerful Brunello has yet to shed the austerity of youth (a characteristic of top Brunello) but there is no doubting the concentration of fruit, the length and the elegance." 96 - Exceptional
"Wowza! A big, complex, dense wine that somehow manages to retain a softness about it. Well-integrated tannins. Incredible deep color that invites you to look into it again and again. Nice fruit both in the nose and on the palate. Ready to drink and Brunellos age quite well. Highly recommended."
"Deep, saturated ruby hue. Rich, perfumed brown spice and black fruit aromas. A supple entry leads to a velvety, full-bodied palate with supple tannins and chewy, chocolatey flavors." 92
"Wonderful aromas of blackberries, raspberries and flowers. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. A very fine wine. Always a winner." 93
"...deep ruby with cherry rim, and is still closed on the nose, though swishing the wine in the glass does bring forth cherry and forest berry fruit supported by violets, and wood that is more pronounced now than it will be by the time of release; the overall effect is one of tremendous harmony. On the palate it's impressive, with rich berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that confer considerable elegance and lead into a long fruit-laced finish with deft wood underpinning. It's going to be well worth seeking out, and will go delightfully with red meats, in particular a well-marbled porterhouse steak, and will with time become a meditation wine."
"Fragrant black raspberry nose, with road tar and sweet oak. Ripe, concentrated, gorgeous, sleek black fruits in the mouth, lively, bright and rich." 94-96
"For the ultimate expression of Brunello's aristocracy, splurge on the beautifully maturing Poggio All'Oro 1993."
"It's ruby-purple and the nose is just divine... In the mouth it was silky, it had this wonderful texture that just stroked the gums and cheeks." ****3/4
"If a wine may be described as stereotypically masculine, this is it. Muscular, big, powerful and firm, a wine that excels in every possible way. Full-bodied and packed with firm but smooth tannins, with a berry, cherry and mineral character, plus aromas and flavors of wild mushrooms and toasted chestnuts." 95+
"Brunello's long aging regimen makes it one of the last major reds to be released and this was a very good vintage in Tuscany. The wine shows great ruby-cherry color with orange at the edge. Fabulous scented nose of spice, truffle and sweet cherry and similar flavours on the palate. Rich and round with great length. Fine quality." 92
"General Qualities: Medium-full-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, integrated oak, modest tannins. Color: Dark ruby. Aromas: black cherry, cherry. Flavors: Black cherry, caramel, cherry, chocolate. Other Descriptors: Extracted, harmonious, rich, smooth." ***
"Best Wines of 1999"
"Deep, saturated ruby-garnet hue. Powerful chocolate, dried fruit, and leather aromas show great complexity. A rich entry leads to a weighty, full-bodied palate with great intensity of fruit. Shows amazing persistence and length. Chunky tannins envelop the finish. Delicious now, but better in time." 97 - Top Tuscan Wines
"Exhibits a deep, black-cherry aroma tinged with balsam fir. Intensely concentrated but tannic, this is a wine to lay away for a few years. Opens up nicely in the glass to reveal cedary, tobacco complexities. Very promising and somewhat forward; should be ready by 2005." 92
"...big, chewy and delicious. Opens with beautiful, multidimensional aromas of ripe berries, mushrooms and chestnuts, while on the palate it's full-bodied and very velvety, with a long, long, fruity finish." 93
"Vibrantly dark, purple-garnet hue. Soft bouquet with sweet scents of cherry, mocha, black currants and leather. Rustic influences with ripe plum, dried cherry and strong tea flavors. A firm, tannic close with citrus and leather accents." 92
Silver Medal
"...concentrated as any Brunello of the past, but with the clean lines of modernism. It's clean, luscious and fresh. Taste it again and think about what's underneath all that fresh black fruit: a core structure that will maintain the freshness as the wine matures to the complex flavors of age."
"Huge is the word for this seductive amalgam of black fruit, lavender and violets, smoke and tar and sandalwood; it's dense and chewy, charged with minerals and spice, sweet oak and polished tannin and blueberry-cranberry flavors. Excellent."
"Sweet and spicy nose. Redolent of new oak and rich fruit. Excellent, concentrated and appealing wine."
"Great ruby cherry colour with orange at the edge. Fabulous scented nose of spice, truffle, and sweet cherry, and similar flavours on the palate. Rich and round with great length. Fine quality." 92
"Black and tightly wound from the first scent on through the chewy cherry skin tannin of the finish..." 90
"This wine was luscious and generous and should age gracefully for many years, but it is certainly drinkable now. This was a superb wine."
“What would Montalcino be without Banfi? If we want to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, we must not forget this large estate, which was the craftsman responsible for the world fame of Brunello. The Riserva Poggio all’Oro (100% Sangiovese) is born in the vineyard known as La Pieve, a single vineyard with a particularly blessed microclimate, situated in the hilly zone on the southern side of Montalcino. This reserve 1990 has the color that one would expect of a 15 year old wine: grainy with orange and brick hues, but still concentrated. The bouquet is intense, warm, with aromas of earth and leather, minerals and brush that then carry on to notes of ripe cherries and woodland berries. It still demonstrates great acidity that makes it lively, balanced, deep and full, with flavors of spices and cocoa interchanging on the palate. It is very long on the finish, it’s elegance absolute.”
"Deep cherry ruby with black highlights and cherry ruby rim; no hints of orange, and this is impressive in a wine this old. The bouquet is rich and inviting, with pleasing cherry fruit laced with the barest hints of leaf tobacco and, to a greater degree, underbrush that is nicely balanced by alcohol and spice. A study of harmony that one could sniff for a very long time, and with time the tobacco becomes more apparent. On the palate it’s enveloping, with full rich cherry fruit supported by rich tannins that though smooth and sweet also still have a slight burr that provides definition, and leads into a long clean cherry and forest berry fruit finish with some alcoholic warmth and spicy overtones that simply persist. This is one of those wines that one hates to encounter at a tasting because one must move on to the next; it will add magic to a meal built around a flavorful roast or grilled meats (the more noble cuts), and will also hold very well for posterity. Well worth seeking out." *** 94
"Truly superb" Top 100 Selection, 95
"Fragrant, spicy vanilla and hazelnut nose, with leather and road tar. Very concentrated, big, chewy black fruit flavors, full and expansive attack, then expanding and lengthening, although still not mature. Tannins medium to hard, 'though melding into fruit. One foot in the old style Brunello, one in the new." 94
"Banfi's top-flight Brunello is a luscious and delicious wine, showing the excellence of the vintage and the brilliant viticultural and winemaking skills of Ezio Rivella" 92
"Beautiful wine." 94
"Gorgeous" 90
"The magnificence is apparent" 94
Top 100 Selection, Cellar Selection, 92
"A monumental Brunello" 93
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||