2009 Val di Suga 'Poggio al Granchio' Brunello di Montalcino, Italy (92RP)

Opulent and elegant from the start, the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Granchio moves steadily over the palate with a great sense of energy and density. Red fruit, tobacco, smoke, crushed mineral, licorice and dried rose lift from the glass. Like the other wines in the Val di Suga portfolio, this Brunello does a great job of delivering power and elegance at the same time. That is never an easy achievement for any wine. In the case of the Poggio al Granchio vineyard designate, the wine is more delicate and feminine on the finish.