99pts Luca Gardini

The great classicism of the Franceschi family in the readings of a Brunello among the staples of the denomination. Nose of freshness, pomegranate, touches of lemongrass and ginger, with citrusy hints. Briny tannins on the palate, recall of pomegranate and notes of ginger.

96pts Vinous

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino pulls the taster close to the glass with its dark and earthy blend of crushed ashen stones, giving way to rosemary, cedar, exotic spice and a core of raspberry preserves. Enveloping and serene, this flows across the palate like pure silk, steadily building in tension as tart wild berries and orange hints give way to a sweet herbal thrust. The 2019 finishes with tremendous length and is classically structured, as crunchy tannins resonate and violet inner florals slowly fade over a tactile coating of minerality. Il Poggione has captured the radiance of the vintage, yet this is just a baby today.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows an evolved bouquet with aromas of dried fruit, forest floor, crushed flower and autumnal leaf. On a second nose, you get dark licorice, wet slate, cola and grilled rosemary. The tannins are powdery and dry. I recommend a medium-term drinking window as a result. You do feel the powerful 15% alcohol content in this ample 200,000-bottle release.

94pts Decanter

The 2019 is a vintage of balance, somewhere between 2016, 2013 and 2010. Sant'Angelo in Colle, which suffers in warmer vintages, performed very well and Il Poggione is a great example of the harmony of the area's wines in this vintage. Fruity at first sniff, it becomes more restrained later, with black cherry, violet, leather, graphite vibrancy and its typical nutty finish. The chalky tannins are extracted but velvety, underlined by an almost zesty acidity.

94pts Wine Spectator

Features ample plum, cherry, iron, tobacco and underbrush flavors buoyed by a plump texture to match the dense structure, plus vibrant acidity to keep it all focused. Another year of aging should allow the finish to stretch out and this wine to reach its full potential. Best from 2026 through 2042. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

92pts James Suckling

Lots of dried fruit, such as figs and dried cherries, followed by tree bark, rosemary and a hint of sandalwood. Full-bodied, creamy palate with a solid tannin texture. Wonderful length. Dense and opulent. Better after 2029.