2005 Poggio di Sotto, Rosso di Montalcino (RT94) This relatively young estate, founded in 1989 by Piero Palmucci, has earned its place as one of the icon landmark estates of Brunello di Montalcino. It was sold to Claudio Tipa in 2011, who has carried the incredible quality standards first established by Palmucci into the modern era. One might think this Rosso is long past its prime, but this is truly Baby Brunello in every respect and at age 18 this wine reveals its startling magnificence. The Rosso and Brunello from this estate are both harvested from the same grapes, what differentiates them is the vinification. While both are macerated in 70-hl Slavonian oak vats (from 4-12 years old) for 30-35 days, the Rosso is then aged for 2 years in 25-35hl Slavonian bottifollowed by6 months in bottle, whereas the Brunello ages for 58 months in bottifollowed by 8 months in bottle. The house style is built on superbly fresh fruit and here, it jumps from the glass with notes of black cherry liqueur, cranberry, a spade of damp earth and a pinch of Tuscan spice. The freshness is extraordinary. The palate is bright, ripe, and energized by its sweet acidity, the tannins suave and smooth. A truly magnificent showing from one of my favorite Brunello estates. Bravo! Drink now-2030+ Tasted October 2023
