2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio
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The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is stunning. Deep and vibrant in the glass, with explosive energy, the 2006 is magnificent from the very first taste. Sweet dark cherry, tobacco, incense, blood orange, mint and spice build beautifully in the glass. The 2006 is aging slowly, with impeccable balance and the pedigree of the very best years. Big, potent tannins wrap it all together. Superb.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
On this night, it was the 2006 vintage that called to me from the cellar. Il Poggio is typically a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo Nero and Colorino, but what makes the 2006 unique was that it was the first year that Castello di Monsanto decided to stop using barrique and began refining the wine in 500-liter tonneaux, part new and part second pass. It’s also worth mentioning that, because of Il Poggio’s amazing ability to mature over the course of decades, this night was the first time that I decided to open a bottle of the 2006 since tasting it upon release - and I sure am glad that I did. 2006 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio - You’d never guess that the 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is fourteen years old, with a brilliant deep ruby color in the glass. Its bouquet starts out airy and fresh, as white smoke blows off to reveal bassier tones of black cherry, a dusting of cinnamon, black tea, saddle leather and pine shavings. This is pure elegance on the palate, with silken textures that usher in a polished wave of dark red fruits and minerals, with teeming acids and hints of fine tannins that build to create a tug-of-war of tension toward the close. A tart twang of woodland berries and hints of savory herbs linger throughout the lightly structured finish. The 2006 is still so youthful, and it has many more years of positive evolution in store for us to enjoy, yet there’s still no harm in drinking this today.
Deep ruby with orange-tinged rim. A beauty! Raspberry, cherry, undergrowth, and even a slice of dried orange. Sweet and sour, lifted and inviting, perfumed. Some serious clayey tannin here and lively Sangiovese acidity. Very fine and long and muscular at the same time. Complete. (WS)
The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is a powerhouse. Firm sturdy tannins enshroud a core of fruit that struggles to emerge in the glass. Behind the wine's imposing structure lie hints of red cherries, menthol, licorice and leather. Today the 2006 Il Poggio comes across as painfully young, but the balance, length and impeccable finish suggest all that is required is patience. Over the years and decades Il Poggio has built a stellar track record of excellence. Il Poggio is 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino.