Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 Poggio di Sotto

Very much still a baby at the time of my tasting, the Poggio di Sotto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shares many similarities with the epic 2016 vintage in terms of its pretty perfumes and polished length. However, this elegant wine does not have the same sheer inner power. This bottle ultimately offers a fresh and charming interpretation of Sangiovese. This is a delicate wine with floral aromas, wild rose, crushed stone and white cherry. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks, it requires more time to flesh out. Harvest started the last week of August and finished the first week of October, which represents a conscious decision to start picking earlier than most. The vineyards are planted on schistic galestro soils, and that territorial imprint comes through strongly in all of these wines. I love that refreshing hint of lemon rind or navel orange at the very end.

If you consider these three factors—consistent quality over many vintages, a steadfast adherence to a classical winemaking tradition and a ready influx of capital—you might agree that Poggio di Sotto has few rivals in Montalcino.


Restrained strawberries and cherries, with a touch of lavender and a lot of licorice. Super juicy on the palate with thick, chalky tannins at the moment, yet they are balanced by supple, sweet fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with a very savory aftertaste. Though pleasant, it’s not fully ready to drink now, and there’s a lot of potential for the long haul.

Expressive and laced with cherry, blackberry, floral and wild herb flavors, this juicy red delivers plenty of energy and a supple feel. There are light tannins on the finish, lending the right amount of support. Shows fine balance and length. Best from 2027 through 2042. 

Incredibly oral and mineral, the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino displays a cascade of rose petals, violets, white smoke, underbrush and dried strawberries. This is wickedly fresh and feminine in style, with a vibrant core of acidity and juicy red berry fruits that swirl throughout, complemented by a sweet herbal thrust. It nishes with lovely length and concentration yet is still potent with crunchy tannins and a resonance of savory spice that lingers on and on. This understated yet drop-dead gorgeous Poggio di Sotto Brunello should put on more weight with cellaring, but today, it's already enjoyable on its potential alone.